VuduSearch Mac Removal Guide

by Gergana Ivanova | October 22, 2020 | 0 Comments

VuduSearch on Mac VuduSearch PUP Summary How to Remove VuduSearch Mac Adware

VuduSearch on Mac

VuduSearch is a program developed for Mac operating systems. It is classified as a potentially unwanted program due to its capability of landing on Mac machines without people’s permission. It is very likely that you have missed the moment when it got installed on your Mac. In fact, you might have installed it during the installation of another desired app or a fake software update. There are various shady websites that host the unwanted VuduSearch adware/hijacker.

Once started on a target machine, the program initiates a long sequence of operations that enable it to access installed browsers and alter main browsing preferences. If you think that VuduSearch is a Mac virus, we have good news for you. This PUP is designed to act like adware. Hence, it modifies system and browser settings in order to become able to display online ads. Sometimes apps like this one replace the default search engine with a hoax one or a modified version of a legitimate one. If so, you will notice that the homepage and new tab page load an unwanted search engine.

The presence of undesired apps like VuduSearch on your Mac operating system may lead to some serious security and privacy-related issues. That’s why security experts recommend the complete removal of VuduSearch PUP from affected Macs.

VuduSearch PUP Summary

Name	VuduSearch
Type	Adware, Browser Hijacker, PUP
Short Description	A questionable application that appears in the Applications list on your Mac. It performs browser modifications without your knowledge. The program may hijack Safari, Chrome and other browsers installed on your Mac.
Symptoms	The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display a hoax search engine. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Flash Player Updates
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss VuduSearch PUP.

VuduSearch on Mac – What Does It Do?

VuduSearch is a program flagged as a PUP by different anti-malware tools. Typically, PUPs or potentially unwanted programs get installed on computer operating systems by making users overlook the installation process of another program they consciously downloaded. Potentially unwanted programs like VuduSearch adware are also spread via shady techniques like malicious advertising, fake software updates, torrent files and hacked websites.

VuduSearch is an app that is configured to affect certain browser settings. The goal is to become able to start presenting affected users with sponsored content. This annoying issue in help of PUPs’developers who aim to earn money via their shady programs. The monetization happens through the so-called pay-per-click advertising model.

In the event that you start noticing the following types of ads in your preferred web browser it means that the browser has been affected by VuduSearch Mac adware.

Pop-ups.
Browser redirects.
Push notifications.
Banners.
Highlighted text ads.
Ad-supported search results.

Soon after VuduSearch affects your Mac, you may also notice that it has replaced the homepage with a hoax search engine of the same name or a legitimate-like one. All new tabs may redirect to the same unwanted web page as well. This program behavior indicates that VuduSearch is a browser hijacker.

Since it can also act as an adware, it can activate different tracking technologies like cookies, scripts, web beacons, etc. to collect data. Once the owners of the app receive harvested details they can misuse them for the launch of target advertising campaigns. Your affected may be inundated with variety of shady ads that match your online interests. Popular browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc. may be affected by VuduSearch.

Beware that ads that are part of shady advertising networks are sometimes related to dangerous websites that host malware and other unwanted software.

To sum up, VuduSearch is not a virus as it is not developed to corrupt your system or your personal files. However, as long as this program is running on your Mac, it lowers the security of your device. It is highly recommendable to remove undesired apps like VuduSearch form affected Mac. Otherwise, your system, as well as the data you store on it, will remain vulnerable to future attacks.

How to Remove VuduSearch Mac Adware

In order to remove VuduSearch along with all its entries from the affected system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs like VuduSearch and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps.

The manual VuduSearch 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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Guide 1: How to Remove VuduSearch PUP from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of VuduSearch PUP on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove VuduSearch PUP in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase VuduSearch PUP from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall VuduSearch PUP from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove VuduSearch PUP from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate VuduSearch PUP from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable VuduSearch PUP Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove VuduSearch PUP from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove VuduSearch PUP

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall VuduSearch PUP and related software from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by VuduSearch PUP on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by VuduSearch PUP there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for VuduSearch PUP with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of VuduSearch PUP from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall VuduSearch PUP and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

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 VuduSearch PUP:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

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 VuduSearch PUP. 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 VuduSearch PUP. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over 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 VuduSearch PUP 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

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 VuduSearch PUP. 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 2: Scan for and remove VuduSearch PUP files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as VuduSearch PUP, 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for VuduSearch PUP:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove VuduSearch PUP 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase VuduSearch PUP 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall VuduSearch PUP 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove VuduSearch PUP 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 VuduSearch PUP will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate VuduSearch PUP 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.