UniversalWebSearch
This short article has been created with the main idea to aid you to comprehend what is Macsafesearch.net and also exactly how you can eliminate this unwanted software totally from your Mac.
A domain name, called UniversalWebSearch was reported to spread out the UniversalWebSearch web browser extension. The internet browser extension has actually been categorized as a possibly unwanted program, whose main purpose is to flood took advantage of computers with ads of all kinds, like redirects and various other types of promotions. The UniversalWebSearch “Virus” may additionally create redirects and ads to sites that may be damaging for individuals as well as this is why its removal is strongly recommended. If you intend to get rid of the Macsafesearch.net hijacker, we strongly suggest you download and install the list below types of data from your computer system.
UniversalWebSearch Mac
To get involved in your computer, UniversalWebSearch may be promoted as a program that is seeming aiming to boost the way you browse on your Mac. However instead of a “secure” search, you get a lot of ads and various other kinds of third-party content that might look to be the precise reverse of safe.
UniversalWebSearch Virus
The UniversalWebSearch might likewise come packed right into the installers of numerous third-party software program installers. These installers are usually belonging to programs, that are usually downloaded and install from third-party software program supplying sites. UniversalWebSearch might be marketed on those programs by being useful complimentary additionals going along with the installers.
Threat Summary
| Name | UniversalWebSearch |
| Type | Mac Redirect Virus |
| 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 UniversalWebSearch. |
When UniversalWebSearch is added to your Mac, it may instantly change your home page to macsafesearch.net. The result of this is that UniversalWebSearch could start to display third-party search results page on your computer system that might bring about websites other than official Google results. The problem right here is that the web site macsafesearch.net may not be encrypted as well as your link to it is not secure:
Along with this, the site might additionally employ several various cookies to track your information:
The data that may be tracked by UniversalWebSearch could be info that belongs to:
- Your browsing history.
- Websites you have actually bookmarked.
- Searches you have actually made.
- Clicks you’ve made.
This data might be utilized to show personalized ads that are produced specifically to ensure that you can click on them. The ads that may be shown by UniversalWebSearch PUP could be of the following types:
- Banners.
- Pop-ups.
- Ad-supported search engine result.
- Redirects.
The outcome of these ads might be that you may obtain moved to websites which you do not want to visit. Those websites might not just be unknown websites, yet they might also end up being sites with a reduced track record, fraud sites, phishing websites, and also destructive websites that might further compromise your Mac by malware. This is the major factor to stay clear of such sites on your computer system.
Remove UniversalWebSearch from Your Mac
In order to get rid of the UniversalWebSearch from your Mac, we suggest that you follow the elimination actions beneath this article. They have been produced with the main objective to assist you to remove this unwanted program either manually or help you conserve time and also download and install advanced anti-malware software to get rid of UniversalWebSearch instantly. Such software program intends to discover and also eliminate all data, belonging to unwanted apps, like UniversalWebSearchand all destructive data from your Mac, plus make sure that your computer system is protected versus any kind of future infections too.
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 UniversalWebSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as UniversalWebSearch, 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 UniversalWebSearch 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 UniversalWebSearch:
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 UniversalWebSearch. 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 UniversalWebSearch. 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 UniversalWebSearch 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 UniversalWebSearch. 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 UniversalWebSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
UniversalWebSearch-FAQ
What is UniversalWebSearch on your Mac?
The UniversalWebSearch 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 UniversalWebSearch?
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 UniversalWebSearch?
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 UniversalWebSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this UniversalWebSearch 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 UniversalWebSearch?
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 UniversalWebSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.