What Is SearchProtect?
SearchProtect is the domain of a questionable internet site that can hijack trustworthy internet browsers and force on-line users to use its search page. Continuous browser redirects to the SearchProtect web site while you browse while online may occur due to an adware program mounted on your Mac. Various other unwanted repercussions may affect some vital web browser aspects like the default online search engine, the home page, as well as the new tab destination. Every one of them may be set to reveal the SearchProtect URL address.
SearchProtect Mac Virus
This write-up aims to reveal you just how to remove SearchProtect redirect and all documents connected with it totally from your Mac.
Browser hijackers like SearchProtect can jeopardize your internet browser by being mounted on the Mac together with another free program. Typically authors of bundled programs include possibly unwanted content in the setups. Thus by clicking the Next button throughout the installment process, you might miss out on the info of all the components had in the setup. A way to stop the installation of potentially unwanted programs that deliver browser hijackers like SearchProtect is always to choose the Advanced or Customizable install steps. These setups enable you to unmark all unnecessary or undesired alternatives so you can install just the primary software. Software programs with such jeopardized setups is usually distributed via different third-party websites. However, in many cases, SearchProtect can permeate your system with adware browser extensions that act to be helpful in one way.
Threat Summary
| Name | SearchProtect also known as Adware.MacOS.SearchProtect.B |
| Type | Browser Hijacker for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SearchProtect. |
SearchProtect – Description
SearchProtect redirect has a simplified layout that might misdirect you that it is a handy and trustworthy search engine.
As you already understand this nasty browser hijacker can be associated with malicious software mounted on your system. The functions of this software application might access important browser settings in order to replace the present default search engine, web page, and new tab with SearchProtect.
Furthermore, the browser hijacker might be able to install as well as enable browser attachments in order to offer you targeted ads. This may cause slower web page loading times due to countless of internet ads like pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, as well as photos in the internet browser may start appearing.
Below you can see all the non-personally recognizable details that Search Protect may instantly receive and also record on its server logs from your web browser:
- Web browser type as well as version.
- Your IP address.
- Internet service provider (ISP).
- Cookie details.
- All your search questions.
- Each web page that you visit.
Today, this software may be set to collect directly recognizable info from all their users without making the main declaration about the adjustments that have taken place.
Eliminate SearchProtect Internet Browser Hijacker Totally
It is advised to get rid of SearchProtect internet browser hijacker completely from your computer system to avoid further malicious adverse effects. The detailed step-by-step guidelines below will guide you with the removal procedure of SearchProtect redirect. For maximum performance, it is suggested to use the help of an advanced anti-malware device. Such a device will certainly remove all suspicious files from your computer and maintain it risk-free in the future.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove SearchProtect files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SearchProtect, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall SearchProtect and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to SearchProtect:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to SearchProtect. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to SearchProtect. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove SearchProtect via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as SearchProtect. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove SearchProtect – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SearchProtect-FAQ
What is SearchProtect on your Mac?
The SearchProtect threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like SearchProtect?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from SearchProtect?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the SearchProtect Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SearchProtect how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on SearchProtect?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the SearchProtect threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.