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
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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 TabSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as TabSearch, 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 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to TabSearch:
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 TabSearch. 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 TabSearch. 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 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:
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 TabSearch. 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 TabSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
TabSearch-FAQ
What is TabSearch on your Mac?
The TabSearch 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
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 the following Apple devices can become infected with a threat:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What Are The Symptoms of TabSearch On Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like TabSearch?
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 TabSearch?
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 TabSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TabSearch 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 TabSearch?
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 TabSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.