In this article, you will find more information about the nasty application TabSearch that targets Mac operating systems. The guide presents all removal steps that will help you to get rid of TabSearch virus on Mac.
TabSearch Mac Virus
TabSearch is another questionable app that affects Mac devices. It may pretend to be a helpful and legitimate tool that enhances browsing experience but in fact, is a potentially unwanted program. Users tend to install it on their Mac systems inadvertently. As long as it is running on the system, TabSearch may be collecting sensitive data via different tracking technologies. When the harvested data is transferred to remote servers, it can be easily misused by TabSearch’s operators. The program could begin to deliver different forms of advertisements based on the harvested details.
Threat Summary
| Name | TabSearch |
| Type | Unwanted App for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to display different types of ads. Tracks information without perission. May alter main browsing settings. |
| Symptoms | You may see pop-ups, redirects, browser search ads, banners and other ad content. |
| Distribution Method | Via web page or software bundling. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Combo Cleaner | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss TabSearch. |
TabSearch App on Mac – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
TabSearch is an app that runs on different Mac operating systems. The program is promoted as useful and legit but many users have it installed on their Macs without their knowledge.
In fact, it has been categorized as a potentially unwanted program. It often lands on Mac devices via third-party sites. The most common techniques used for the propagation of bogus apps like TabSearch are software bundles, corrupted websites, malicious advertisements and torrent websites. To prevent installing undesired and potentially harmful apps like TabSearch inadvertently, make sure to avoid downloading programs from shady websites.
When started on a macOS TabSearch performs lots of suspicious activities with the goal to hijack installed browsers. Afterward, it may appear in your applications and Safari/Chrome browser as well. Beware that it is not an app that can enhance browsing or improve online performance. Instead, it will be spying on your online activities, delivering ads, redirecting affected browsers to dangerous websites. As long as this app is running on your Mac, it makes the system vulnerable to additional malware infections.
Some of the ads generated by TabSearch could be of the following types:
- Browser redirect.
- Pop-up ads.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Highlighted text on the sites you visit.
The sponsored content generated by TabSearch may redirect you to different dangerous websites. Such websites could attempt to make you a victim of an online scam. You may also be presented with various phishing web pages that aim to steal sensitive credentials. At worst, your affected browser will be redirected to a malicious site that is configured to deliver malicious software on your Mac. Even though TabSearch is not a virus, it lowers Mac security by running on the system.
Remove TabSearch from Your Mac
In order to remove TabSearch undesired app along with all harmful entries created on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual TabSearch removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Gergana has a bachelor's degree in Marketing. She has been with the STF team for five years, researching malware, reporting on the latest computer infections, and following digital marketing trends.
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- Guide 1: Get rid of TabSearch from Mac OS X.
- Guide 2: Remove TabSearch from Google Chrome.
- Guide 3: Erase TabSearch from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 4: Uninstall TabSearch from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 5: Delete TabSearch from Safari.
- Guide 6: Eliminate TabSearch from Internet Explorer.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of TabSearch from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TabSearch 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:
- 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 TabSearch 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:
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 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove TabSearch from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase TabSearch from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall TabSearch from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Delete TabSearch from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the TabSearch will be removed.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate TabSearch from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
TabSearch FAQ
What is TabSearch?
TabSearch is classified as a potentially unwanted app for Mac. It appears like a normal app, but it may cause unpleasant pop-ups and redirects on your Mac.
Be aware, that TabSearch may be able to affect the browsers Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge and Opera. It may they perform unwanted activities on your Mac.
Such can turn out to be showing advertisements of all types, slowing down your Mac's performance and even infecting your Mac with other viruses by showing you dangerous ads.
Is TabSearch a Virus?
No, but it is just as risky. The TabSearch object is not entirely a virus but it is still as dangerous as a virus for your Mac and your information. The main reason for that is because TabSearch can use cookies and other tracking technologies that may obtain personal information from your Mac while you are browsing.
It may also cause dangers and may lead to risky websites, such as:
- Phishing sites.
- Web pages that are scam.
- Sites that may contain viruses.
These are the main reasons why threatening is considered by experts to be indirectly dangerous to your Mac.
Can my Mac get virus?
The answer to this question is "yes". Unfortunately it opened happens that Mac devices become infected with different types of malware, adware and other threats. This causes a lot of problems for both companies and users.
How did I get TabSearch?
TabSearch could be spread to Mac computers via several methods. One of those methods is via the installers of third party apps. This technique is called software bundling.
Also, TabSearch adware could be included in the installer steps of an app you may have downloaded for your Mac from a third party website. Search app could be a media player or some other free software you may have tried to recently install.
You may have missed TabSearch, because it could be hiding in one of the install steps or could be offered as a "free extra" or an "optional offer".
How to remove TabSearch from my Mac?
By removing its core files. To get rid of TabSearch from your Mac, security experts strongly advise to scan it with a professional anti-malware app for Mac.
An anti-malware security app has the capability of scanning all of the areas in your Mac were TabSearch could be residing.
It will also make sure that TabSearch is permanently gone from your Mac and that your Mac is safe in the future.
How to protect my Mac from viruses?
To protect your Mac from all sorts of virus threats, you can can minimize the risk of getting a virus in the first place. This is why we strongly recommend that you take the following steps for protection on your Mac below:
1. Register for a VPN service of your choice.
2. Clear the cookies that are on your web browsers and uninstall any browser extensions from them that you believe are suspicious.
3. Download and install reputable malware removal and protection software.
4. Always check if the website you're visiting has HTTPS instead of just HTTP in its address. This indicates that a site is secure.
5. Do not type any personal info on websites which are with low reputation or you can't trust.
6. Always check if the site you're visiting is the real web page at not a fake one by looking at the address bar. Many fishing websites that contain viruses change one or two letters in the main domain name of the site they're trying to mimic.
7. Always link your cell phone phone to your Bank Accounts, PayPal, Facebook, Gmail, Instagram and other accounts. This will allow you to see notification if somebody else logged in from your account and makes account hijacking nearly impossible.
8. Always find a way to backup all your important files regularly. You can save them on a USB stick or use Cloud backup services, like Google Drive. iDrive, Onedrive and others.
