Search.mysafesearch.net virus (Removal Instructions) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Search.mysafesearch.net virus Removal Guide
What is Search.mysafesearch.net virus?
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.
Search.mysafesearch.net virus is a browser hijacker that might alter browser's settings even on Mac OS X.
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.
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.mysafesearch.net virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
If Search.mysafesearch.net virus hijacked Windows OS X, please follow the instructions to get rid of it:
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
After Search.mysafesearch.net hijack, you need to find and uninstall all questionable applications that might be related to the virus. Look for MacKeeper, MPlayerX, NicePlayer, MacPriceCut, Video download helper, and other suspicious apps.
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)
In the list of extensions look for the unknown applications and uninstall them immediately. Look for applications as ChumSearch, MacKeeper, and others. Then, follow the instructions to reset Mozilla Firefox. It’s necessary to set your preferred homepage and default search engine.
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
Search.mysafesearch.net virus might have installed various third-party applications that might be responsible for initiating another hijack. Thus, you need to remove all these questionable entries from Google Chrome. We recommend looking for ChumSearch, MacKeeper or applications developed by Safer Browser.
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
Follow the instructions below to fix Safari after the hijack. Search.mysafesearch.net browser hijacker might have installed suspicious third-party tools. Hence, you need to find and uninstall them. In the list of extensions look for ChumSearch, MacKeeper, various apps created by Safer Browser, and other questionable tools.
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.mysafesearch.net 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.
- ^ Mac OS X Isn’t Safe Anymore: The Crapware / Malware Epidemic Has Begun. How-To Geek. Includes help, tutorials, tips and how-to guides for Windows and Linux.
- ^ Liam Tung. Google: Unwanted bundled software is way more aggressive than malware. ZDNet. Technology News, Analysis, Comments and Product Reviews.
- ^ Nate Lord. What Is Personally Identifiable Information?. DigitalGuardian. The official website of American data loss prevention software company.
- ^ Ginny Marvin. MarTech Landscape: What Is An Ad Network?. MarTech Today. Marketing Technology News & Management Insights.
- ^ Aaron Smith. Half of online Americans don’t know what a privacy policy is. PewResearchCenter. A nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world.