Search.macsafefinder.com virus (Virus Removal Instructions) - Free Instructions
Search.macsafefinder.com virus Removal Guide
What is Search.macsafefinder.com virus?
Search.macsafefinder.com promotes sponsored ads and secretly modifies your browser
Search.macsafefinder.com (by Linkury, Ltd.) pretends to be a useful search engine. However, it is also known as a browser hijacker that arbitrarily modifies user’s browser settings without his/her consent. Typically, it targets Mozilla Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer users.
At first sight, it may seem a very reliable search engine since Mac Safe Finder looks similar to Google, Yahoo or Bing. However, users should be aware that after the installation it alters new tab URL, homepage, and default search engine by assigning to hxxp://www.search.macsafefinder.com.
The changes may deceive you as being useful because once you perform a search, it displays the results as a “Yahoo search.” At this point, we want to assure you that this browser hijacker only PRETENDS to operate in the Yahoo search. You can check the link provided in the address box and compare it to the one in verified Yahoo search engine – they are different.
In fact, this questionable program is a variant of Safe Finder virus, which is also associated with other browser-hijacking tools promoting fake search engines such as Search.safewebfinder.com or Search.websafefinder.com.
Even though Mac Safe Finder is not a virus, it may stealthily install potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and plug-ins. They typically reassign browser settings mentioned above to hxxps://www.search.macsafefinder.com every time user tries to change them to the previous state. Thus, search.macsafefinder.com removal may become a complicated and time-consuming process.
The primary goal of this fake search engine is to generate revenue by some clicks obtained on the sponsored ads that are displayed among search results.[1] Usually, in terms of use, the developers warn the users that they are not responsible for the content of those ads or the websites’ you may be redirected to.
Mac Safe Finder is not an exception – the developer (later mentioned as “Linkury Ltd.”), clearly states – “Any material downloaded or otherwise obtained through the use of the Linkury Ltd. services is done at user’s discretion and risk, and user will be solely responsible for any damage to its computer system, or another device, or loss of data that results from the download of any such material.”
We strongly advise you to avoid clicking on any types of ads since they may redirect you to suspicious websites that might distribute high-risk computer infections[2]. If you decided to remove search.macsafefinder.com, our IT specialists suggest using FortectIntego or any other reliable security software.
Avoid downloading applications from unauthorized developers
The so-called browser hijacker may spread by taking advantage of computer users who are in a rush. They choose Quick/Recommended installation process and are not able to deny the installation of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that is hidden among “Optional Components” of the regular application.
Therefore, we advise choosing Custom/Advanced settings while installing software. Also, you can always protect your files and data by using security software. Experts from Zondervirus.nl state that it is best to use antivirus and anti-malware or anti-spyware software in tandem for best results.[3]
Tips to eliminate search.macsafefinder.com
After getting infected with the described program, you have two options to remove search.macsafefinder.com virus – automatically or manually.
Be aware that your computer might not only be attacked by Mac Safe Finder, but also by other viruses that deceive you with the behavior of a “regular” app while stealthily performing suspicious activities. Thus, our team suggests choosing automatic search.macsafefinder.com removal option and using a reliable security software.
You should download it from authorized developers as mentioned above. After the installation, let it scan your computer files thoroughly and detect possible threads. It is the safest option to remove various types of malicious programs and protect your data.
If you opt to eliminate search.macsafefinder.com manually, you IT specialists have prepared a detailed step-by-step guide provided below.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Search.macsafefinder.com virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
To delete MacSafeFinder from Mac, follow the guidelines provided below. Make sure you empty the Trash bin after removing components of the defined spyware variant.
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Check chrome://extensions panel and delete MacSafeFinder components: SafeFinder, Linkury. Reset the browser afterward.
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Search.macsafefinder.com registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting stealing programs
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Search advertising. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Rahul Kashyap. Why Malvertising Is Cybercriminals’ Latest Sweet Spot. WIRED. Science, Business, Design News.
- ^ ZonderVirus. ZonderVirus. Security and Spyware News, Virus Removal Tutorials.