Search.mysafesearch.net virus might attack browsers installed on Macs
Search.mysafesearch.net virus is a browser hijacker and a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that spreads in the software bundles and mostly aims at Mac OS X users. Indeed, it’s quite unusual activity for the hijacker because usually, they target Windows OS. Unfortunately, Mac users should not feel safe anymore. [1]The browser hijacker might affect the most popular web browsers – Safari, Chrome, Firefox or others. The Privacy Policy reveals that Search.mysafesearch.net browser hijacker is created by the same developers as ChumSearch.com (another browser hijacker we have talked about earlier). After the hijack, this program alters targeted browsers’ settings and sets its domain as default homepage and search engine. Getting rid of these changes might be complicated because the hijacker might modify shortcuts and append particular arguments, or install helper objects that prevent users from setting their preferred homepage address. Though, using this search engine is not recommended as well. Nevertheless, it uses Yahoo database; it might still provide altered search results. On the results page, we found the Safe Finder logo that is also known for developing browser hijackers. Thus, partnerships with shady developers do not add credibility to this tool. We highly recommend scanning the computer with FortectIntego and performing Search.mysafesearch.net removal immediately.
When browser hijacker resides on the PC, you might be tricked to visit potentially dangerous websites or install questionable programs. This PUP might deliver sponsored links and ads that lead to insecure websites. Thus, Search.mysafesearch.net redirect tendencies should be considered before relying on this tool. What is more, the program is used to promote MacKeeper application. On the main page of the search engine includes the link to the official MacKeeper’s website and shows an advertisement offering to download it. Thus, doing it is not recommended as well because it is considered as PUP due to its aggressive distribution methods.[2] One of the most important aspects, why you should not delay and remove Search.mysafesearch.net from the computer, is its ability to collect information about the users. In the Privacy Policy developers reveal that this program collects technical information (type, name, and version of the OS and other installed software, ISP, IP address, location, etc.), usage information (browsing history, time spent on particular websites, clicked ads, etc.), registration and support related information (it might include personally identifiable information[3], when users register to use their Services, e.g., name, home or work address, telephone number, email, etc.), and monitors interactions on social media. Developers claim that they use collected information for “analytical, business and operational purposes.” Though, they might also share gathered data with third-parties that might be advertising networks[4] and platforms. Thus, if you do not want to receive more commercial content and protect your personal information, you should get rid of the Search.mysafesearch.net virus immediately.

Why was my browser’s homepage changed?
This potentially unwanted program spread in the software bundles. Thus, when installing new software PUPs might show up during the installation and can be opted out. Though, the majority of computer users skip this task or rely on Basic/Recommended settings that install additional applications by default. Search.mysafesearch.net hijack might have occurred when you installed MacKeeper, MPlayerX, NicePlayer, MacPriceCut, Video download helper, or other questionable applications. Before installing new programs, you need to read Privacy Policy[5] and EULA. These documents might reveal that you agree to change your search engine to a suspicious third-party tool. If you find similar statements, you should not install the primary program. What is more, for the installation always choose Advanced/Custom settings and follow each step carefully. If you find pre-selected third-party apps, opt them out and continue the process.
How to remove Search.mysafesearch.net from Mac?
In order to set your preferred homepage, you need to remove Search.mysafesearch.net virus from the machine. For that you two option. The first option requires finding for suspicious applications that might be related to the browser hijacker and deleting them. Our team has prepared detailed and illustrated instructions below. Thus, this procedure should not cause you any difficulties. However, there’s an easier and quicker solution – automatic Search.mysafesearch.net removal. All you have to do is to scan the computer with anti-malware/anti-spyware program.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).

Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.

- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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 Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (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 Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
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.

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.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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
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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.

Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.

Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

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