Are you one of the users who have noticed that Yahoo search engine has taken over their Safari browsers? If so, you can refer to this article for help. It has been created to explain what exactly is the Yahoo Search Virus and why the search engine has suddenly started appearing on your Mac. Here, you will learn how to remove Yahoo Search from Safari, and get rid of the so-called Yahoo Search Redirect “virus” on Mac.
Yahoo Redirect Virus on Mac
Yahoo redirect virus also referred as Yahoo Search virus on Mac can be noticed in popular web browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. In fact, the sudden and unwanted appearance of Yahoo Search in Safari or another browser you prefer is related to the presence of a suspicious program on your macOS. Such type of software is referred to as potentially unwanted programs. Potentially unwanted programs including browser hijackers and adware, trick people into enabling them to access the operating system. The outcome of this is your browser being forced to redirect to Yahoo Search and your system performing sluggishly. Apps related to Yahoo Search redirect virus on Mac may also be showing customized ads that lead to risky sites. The removal of Yahoo Redirect virus will help you browse the web and use your Mac securely again.
In August 2020, the Yahoo Search Virus Mac continues to be a threat to many people browsing the Web. Watch out and stay vigilant. If you have the Yahoo hijacking “virus”, then continue reading, so you can see what to do to remove it.
Yahoo Search Virus Summary
| Name | Yahoo Search Redirect Virus |
| Type | Browser Hijacker for Mac OS |
| For Affected Windows Users | Remove Search.Yahoo.com Redirect |
| Short Description | Aims to heavily modify the web browsers of Macs to display ads. |
| Symptoms | Safari, Mozilla, Chrome an Opera browsers may show Yahoo Powered search results. A lot of ads and slowness in terms of Mac performance. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled installers, fake setups or via other PUP that has already been installed on your PC. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Combo Cleaner |
Why Did Yahoo Search Virus Appear on Your Mac?
The primary method by which the Yahoo Search browser hijackers may gain access to your Mac operating system is by visiting a website that has a very low reputation. Such sites often tend to cause browser redirects. Sometimes those redirects contain an injected script in their source code – a script that installs Yahoo search browser hijacker on browsers installed on your Mac. That’s how the Yahoo search may have appeared on your Safari or Chrome browser. But don’t worry, you are on the right way of getting rid of Yahoo Search form Safari/Chrome once and forever.
Another reason that may be causing this annoying issue is a browser hijacker you have installed as a result of a software bundle with added extras. Usually, most browser hijackers for Macs tend to pretend to be useful programs, like:
- Weather toolbars.
- Better oriented search assistants.
- Online TV and streaming toolbars.
- Social media toolbars.
- Other useful toolbars and extensions or apps.
They often advertise added potentially unwanted programs as an “optional offer” or a “free extra” to the current installation process. Such apps are usually hosted on third-party sites. Since apps from third-party sites are generally not allowed by default on Mac, you should really consider uninstalling such apps if you have done this already.
The unwanted appearance of Yahoo search often comes as a result of modifications of essential browser settings. Once executed on a Mac system, the undesired program that is forcing you to use the searching services of Yahoo, alters the settings of your homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. Then your searches start triggering the Yahoo redirect “virus” in the affected browser. Based on the behavior of this undesired app, we can assume that it is a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are unwanted programs that aim to redirect you to third-party websites and show multiple types of advertisements on your device.
More Details About the Yahoo Search Virus on Mac
Yahoo search “virus” on Mac is a threat that has been affecting the Macs of unsuspecting users for quite some time. Users who have got their machines infected with this hijacker consider it a Mac virus (hence we are referring to it as a “virus”). In fact, most of the times the search.yahoo.com is a browser hijacker on Mac.
As soon as a browser hijacker that is pushing Yahoo Search Virus is executed on your Mac operating system, your web browser starts searching with Yahoo. The browser hijacker may modify the following settings:
- Home Page.
- New Tab Page.
- Push Notifications.
- Browser Extensions.
- Pages Opening on Startup.
Once the browser hijacker do this, your affected web browsers keep searching with Yahoo search engine (search.yahoo.com) every time you enter a search query:
Once you try and search something through it, the outcome may be that you could see a custom yahoo search results that are cramped with advertisements:
These advertisements may be dangerous. There are multiple risky sites to which they may lead you:
- Phishing sites that aim to steal your username, password and other key data.
- Fake websites that aim to get you to pay for products, like clothes or other merchandise, but will not delivery anything to you and may steal your credentials.
- Tech support pages that claim your Mac is infected with a virus and ask you to call scammers or download a fake antivirus tool for Mac which is paid.
- Malicious websites that may land a virus directly on your Mac.
The well-known search engine Yahoo has been misused by lots of browser hijackers for Mac such as Search Marquis, Search Pulse and TabSearch. Since the redirects that are caused by this Yahoo search “virus” on Mac are potentially dangerous, it is strongly recommended to detect what is causing it and remove it. The next step would be to secure your Mac against future intrusive apps and adware–supported programs.
It’s interesting to share that Yahoo redirect virus on Mac is the type of threat that is very similar to other redirect viruses that misuse the reputation of well-know online searching services. So, along with Yahoo Search “virus”, there are also Google Redirect virus and Bing Redirect virus.
Important notice. The browser hijacker associated with the appearance of the Yahoo search redirect virus in Safari may be able to collect various details about your browsing habits. By activating different tracking technologies, the program may become able to obtain your search queries, browsing history, type and version of the browser, geographic location, IP address, clicks on links, etc. As a result, you may become a target of many annoying online advertisements or even malware attacks.
Here is what a user on Apple community forums said about the annoying Yahoo Search virus:
Question: Q:
How to get rid of a yahoo virus that keeps redirecting my google search engine which is set as a default to Yahoo!I have google set as my default search engine and no matter what I do, as soon as I enter a subject in the address bar, it gets redirect to yahoo search engine which I don’t like. I have tried doing all kinds of research to remove it and nothing seems to work. Also, I am not sure if these two viruses are related but Mackeeper also starting popping up all the time around the same time this started to happen. It opens up about 5 tabs on its own sometimes and I don’t know how to fix that either. I am pretty sure that this is some sort of virus. If someone knows of the same problem and has gotten rid of it, please help!
The removal of the undesired program that is redirecting affected browsers to Yahoo Search may be a hard task. Some of these invasive programs are configured to install the so-called browser helper objects. In macOS, malicious browser helper objects may affect the Launch Services Database which in turn will result in the harder removal process.
So that’s why a simple uninstall process won’t be efficient for the removal of any potentially unwanted programs that are redirecting your favorite browser to Yahoo Search. Since the removal of some important and legit system files may lead to a total system crash, security experts recommend the help of an advanced anti-malware cleaner. The tool will locate malicious entries only and remove them without damaging the regular system performance.
How to Remove Yahoo Redirect Virus from Safari and Mac
Yahoo Search on Mac continues to be a significant threat to Mac computers. If you are asking yourself “How to get rid of Yahoo search redirect virus?“, then read this paragraph. The threat cannot be easily removed as it deeply affects the web browsers and macOS. To remove the unwanted app associated with redirects to Yahoo Search completely from your Mac, you can manually locate it and delete it by following the steps underneath this article. If they are not effective against this virus, then a more drastic and professional solution is required. As experts often recommend, the best solution against the Yahoo Search “Virus” is to download an advanced anti-malware software whose main idea is to run a deep scan of your Mac to identify and delete all of the unwanted files, related to Yahoo Search virus. Plus your Mac will be protected against other spyware, malware in the future.
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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: Get rid of Yahoo Search Virus from Mac OS X.
- Guide 2: Remove Yahoo Search Virus from Google Chrome.
- Guide 3: Erase Yahoo Search Virus from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 4: Uninstall Yahoo Search Virus from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 5: Delete Yahoo Search Virus from Safari.
- Guide 6: Eliminate Yahoo Search Virus from Internet Explorer.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Yahoo Search Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Yahoo Search Virus 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:
- 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 Yahoo Search Virus 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:
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 malware from your Mac
You can use the tool we recommended above in order to remove Yahoo Search Virus:
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Yahoo Search Virus 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.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Yahoo Search Virus 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.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Yahoo Search Virus 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.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Delete Yahoo Search Virus 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 Yahoo Search Virus will be removed.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Yahoo Search Virus 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.
Yahoo Search Virus FAQ
What is Yahoo Search Virus?
Yahoo Search Virus is classified as a potentially unwanted app for Mac. It appears like a normal app, but it may cause unpleasant pop-ups and redirects on your Mac.
Be aware, that Yahoo Search Virus may be able to affect the browsers Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge and Opera. It may they perform unwanted activities on your Mac.
Such can turn out to be showing advertisements of all types, slowing down your Mac's performance and even infecting your Mac with other viruses by showing you dangerous ads.
Is Yahoo Search Virus a Virus?
No, but it is just as risky. The Yahoo Search Virus object is not entirely a virus but it is still as dangerous as a virus for your Mac and your information. The main reason for that is because Yahoo Search Virus can use cookies and other tracking technologies that may obtain personal information from your Mac while you are browsing.
It may also cause dangers and may lead to risky websites, such as:
- Phishing sites.
- Web pages that are scam.
- Sites that may contain viruses.
These are the main reasons why threatening is considered by experts to be indirectly dangerous to your Mac.
Can my Mac get virus?
The answer to this question is "yes". Unfortunately it opened happens that Mac devices become infected with different types of malware, adware and other threats. This causes a lot of problems for both companies and users.
How did I get Yahoo Search Virus?
Yahoo Search Virus could be spread to Mac computers via several methods. One of those methods is via the installers of third party apps. This technique is called software bundling.
Also, Yahoo Search Virus adware could be included in the installer steps of an app you may have downloaded for your Mac from a third party website. Search app could be a media player or some other free software you may have tried to recently install.
You may have missed Yahoo Search Virus, because it could be hiding in one of the install steps or could be offered as a "free extra" or an "optional offer".
How to remove Yahoo Search Virus from my Mac?
By removing its core files. To get rid of Yahoo Search Virus from your Mac, security experts strongly advise to scan it with a professional anti-malware app for Mac.
An anti-malware security app has the capability of scanning all of the areas in your Mac were Yahoo Search Virus could be residing.
It will also make sure that Yahoo Search Virus is permanently gone from your Mac and that your Mac is safe in the future.
How to protect my Mac from viruses?
To protect your Mac from all sorts of virus threats, you can can minimize the risk of getting a virus in the first place. This is why we strongly recommend that you take the following steps for protection on your Mac below:
1. Register for a VPN service of your choice.
2. Clear the cookies that are on your web browsers and uninstall any browser extensions from them that you believe are suspicious.
3. Download and install reputable malware removal and protection software.
4. Always check if the website you're visiting has HTTPS instead of just HTTP in its address. This indicates that a site is secure.
5. Do not type any personal info on websites which are with low reputation or you can't trust.
6. Always check if the site you're visiting is the real web page at not a fake one by looking at the address bar. Many fishing websites that contain viruses change one or two letters in the main domain name of the site they're trying to mimic.
7. Always link your cell phone phone to your Bank Accounts, PayPal, Facebook, Gmail, Instagram and other accounts. This will allow you to see notification if somebody else logged in from your account and makes account hijacking nearly impossible.
8. Always find a way to backup all your important files regularly. You can save them on a USB stick or use Cloud backup services, like Google Drive. iDrive, Onedrive and others.
Thanks.. works:)
Is there any option to restore my Safari browser settings
This problem appeared this morning and I have never opted to make yahoo my search engine. I think that an extension in Safari was causing all those annoying redirects to yahoo search. I have resolved the problem by turning all extensions OFF. Since I still need to use some of the extensions I have turned them ON and tested.
I always use google as default search engine.. The problem is not so simple, this adware keeps changing user settings. Ones I change my search engine all get better.
I recently bought a Mac and because I have no experience with it I got the Yahoo search tab. This adware is very annoying. I wanted to use Google and I found this article. Now I fixed it. Thank you.
Just removed this nasty issue!! How I fixed it is by deleting a file called QSearch from my Mac ~/Library folder! Look out for any odd files like this to get rid of Yahoo virus.
Hola, I have problem with Yahoo redirect it comes every time i turn Safari on. Please help me.
Hi, I followed all the steps and yahoo still appears.
First thing I did I downloaded the combo cleaner which showed a malware or virus file, so I started deleting the suspicious files. After that I run another scan and no malware or virus appeared in the antivirus app but safari keeps taking me to yahoo safe search. I don’t know what else to do! Because even if I choose to pay the full version of Combo Cleaner It doesn’t show any virus whatsoever!
Please help me! Im really worried.
Hi Delfina,
Please contact Combo Cleaner’s official support here: https://www.combocleaner.com/support/
They should be able to assist you.
saludos, he hecho todos los pasos indicados. he descargado varios programas para eliminar el problema. pero aun sigo con el. actualmente estoy utilizando Webroot Secure Anywhere y el problema continúa. no tengo extensiones en safari, no hay ningún archivo llamado virus, no hay ningún archivo llamado yahoo en ella y continuo con el problema…. que puedo hacer?
I installed software from BitTorrent, it seem that what I have now is kind of ad-injection virus, redirecting me to yahoo search all the time.
The instructions above works for me. I only recommend before starting removal process and starting any changes back up all your data.