Universal Web Results is a search engine that installs itself on a browser you use as a default home page and search tool. Have you been wondering why Universal Web Results sneaked into your browser without your consent? Are you trying to find out why you are seeing ads associated with Universal Web Results on your Mac? Those are the reasons why many users call it the Universal Web Results Virus.
This article will provide you information about Universal Web Results and will help you to remove this browser hijacker efficiently. To delete Universal Web Results Search on Mac, follow the removal instructions given at the end of the article.
Universal Web Results Virus on Mac
The Universal Web Results app is a dangerous Mac virus which is designed for Apple’s operating system. This particular malware is a web browser plugin and dangerous site combination which can lead to various virus actions. As a result of the Universal Web Results Mac virus infection the users will be shown a hacker-controlled page which can redirect the users to affiliate and phishing content. We advise our readers to remove active Universal Web Results virus infections as soon as they are found to prevent further damage.
Threat Summary
| Name | Universal Web Results |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and will display lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Universal Web Results. |
Universal Web Results Mac Virus
The Universal Web Results Mac is a malware app for Mac computers. It is a redirect and hijacker combination which has been discovered in an ongoing attack campaign targeting Apple devices. The threat can be spread using common strategies, often include phishing tactics. They use email messages and hacker-controlled pages — the common factor is that they are designed and hosted on similar sounding domain names. The phishing tactics will “push” the virus files, carriers and web scripts that are used to spread the Universal Web Results Mac virus.
The most common type is the browser extension which is designed to appear as a typical and useful plugin made compatible for most modern web browsers: Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera and others. These plugins are usually advertised as providing new features or enhancing the performance. Other carrier files can be macro-infected documents and application installers of popular software. All of them can be spread over file-sharing networks and social networks as well.
The Universal Web Results Mac virus will typically follow the set behavior which is to be expected from this category of threats. In most cases this means the changing of important browser settings: the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. This is made in order to ensure that the hacker-controlled page will be loaded, thus leading to the deployment of tracking cookies — they will monitor the interaction of the users and report it to the hacker operators. Other possible malicious actions include the following:
- Virus Infections — The Universal Web Results Mac virus may be used to install other malware such as Trojans that are used to remote control the computers and ransomware which aim to encrypt user data.
- Data Hijacking — Stealing user information and files is made possible by the built-in scripts. This can include personal information and machine metrics which can be used to generate an unique ID of the Mac.
- System Configuration Changes — Advanced redirects and hijackers like the Universal Web Results Mac virus can be used to change important system files. This can lead to data loss and unexpected errors.
The Mac redirect aims to display affiliate, phishing or malware content. This is why it is advised to remove such infections as soon as they are found on a given system. Some virus derivatives may be difficult to remove using manual methods this is why we recommend that a professional-grade anti-malware solution is used.
How to Get Rid of Universal Web Results
To remove Universal Web Results manually from your Mac computer or any unwanted software from your Mac device we recommend that you use a specific anti-malware for Mac machines. The main goal of such a program is to scan your machine and terminate the files with malicious behavior and also clean up any malicious code in your repositories. In addition, with a specific anti-malware program, your machine will remain with better protection and stay healthy performance-wise in the future.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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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 Universal Web Results files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Universal Web Results, 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 Universal Web Results 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 Universal Web Results:
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 Universal Web Results. 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 Universal Web Results. 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 Universal Web Results 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 Universal Web Results. 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 Universal Web Results – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Universal Web Results-FAQ
What is Universal Web Results on your Mac?
The Universal Web Results 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 Universal Web Results?
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 Universal Web Results?
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 Universal Web Results Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Universal Web Results 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 Universal Web Results?
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 Universal Web Results threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.