WebSearchStride is a broowser hijacker whose main idea is to get into your computer and then change the settings on your web browser to display different types of ads.
WebSearchStride Mac
Once WebSearchStride is added to your Mac, it’s main goal is to modify your web browsers and change your New Tab and Home Pages to WebSearchStride Mac. The WebSearchStride may use its page to flood your Mac with a lot of types of ads from different types – pop-ups, banners and many other forms. The WebSearchStride may show ads that lead to different types of sites. These sites may eventually turn out to be dangerous for your computer in the sense that they might lead to virus or malware-infested sites. Read this article in order to understand how to fully remove WebSearchStride from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | WebSearchStride |
| Type | PUP for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to infiltrate your Mac and then make sure to change its default settings and home page to display its own. |
| Symptoms | Different advertisements may start to appear on your Mac and they could slow it down. |
| Distribution Method | Via software bundling and other methods. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WebSearchStride. |
WebSearchStride Mac Description
WebSearchStride Mac can come into your Mac by being added alongside other types of software. In the installers of these applications, the WebSearchStride Mac can be added somewhere in the install steps. There, it is advertised as an optional offer or a free extra of some sort that is useful. Little do users who accept these bundles know that the software comes full of adware components that can begin to cause the following types of advertisements to start appearing:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Online search results that are ad-supported.
- Banners.
- Push notifications ads.
Not only this, but also bear in mind that the WebSearchStride Mac can show ads that can lead to sites that could be risky to your Mac. Such can be phishing site as that aim to get information out of you, like your login password and username for a service or site or other similar details. Not only this, but such ads can also lead to potentially dangerous websites, whose main goal is to get users. And this is your least problem, because this can also lead to malware-infested sites, that can infect your machine with malware.
Remove WebSearchStride from Your Mac
WebSearchStride can be effectively removed from your Mac preferrably by following the removal instructions that are posted underneath this article. They have been created with the primary idea in mind to help you remove the software step by step. The steps also work in combination with an advanced malware removal app. Such professional software has been created with the main goal to scan your Mac and get it rid of all forms of different viruses and adware and make sure it is protected against such in the future 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 WebSearchStride files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WebSearchStride, 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 WebSearchStride 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 WebSearchStride:
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 WebSearchStride. 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 WebSearchStride. 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 WebSearchStride 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 WebSearchStride. 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 WebSearchStride – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
WebSearchStride-FAQ
What is WebSearchStride on your Mac?
The WebSearchStride 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 WebSearchStride?
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 WebSearchStride?
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 WebSearchStride Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WebSearchStride 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 WebSearchStride?
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 WebSearchStride threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.