An instance of Searcher4u.com redirect on the internet browser program for Mac is a sign that the computer is under the influence of adware. This is not a simple redirect thing because, as a search hijacker, this questionable browser add-on is able to collect sensitive data as it is submitted online. Therefore, using Searcher4u.com when searching the web means that all inputs are logs, and there is no certainty that Searcher4u.com is going to leave behind sensitive information and other confidential data of Mac users.
How does Searcher4u.com override the browser?
Hijackers such as Searcher4u.com normally take over the homepage and search settings through the installation of malicious browser extensions. The common infection of this invasive add-on stems from the downloading of malicious freeware and shareware. As usual, Mac users will never have a glimpse of the setup process of the entire inclusions in the freeware, whether it is adware or a separate browser hijacker such as Searchmy.co, Fortifyshield.com, and many more.
As soon as the malicious browser extension Dominant Method is inside Google Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox, it begins to commit unwanted changes. It starts with altering the homepage and search tool that both resolve to Searcher4u.com. At this point, all queries from Mac users are redirected to Searcher4u.com as it retrieves crucial data from this transmission. Search keywords, IP address, and browser version
Aside from redirects, injected browser code on the internet application allows attackers to log several sensitive pieces of information, including usernames, passwords, email addresses, and other personally identifiable data. The bad thing is that attackers may misuse it in their other online fraudulent dealings.
What to do with Searcher4u.com?
Obviously, this is a browser threat that needs to be eliminated from the computer at once. Aside from hijacking the search of Mac users, privacy is also at risk during its presence. Leaving Searcher4u.com on the internet browser program could also lead to other malware infections, as it has the tendency to redirect the browser program to harmful pages.
Included on this page is an effective guide to removing the Searcher4u.com browser hijacker from Mac. As recommended, scan the computer with a security app to locate and delete hidden malicious objects associated with Searcher4u.com.
How do I prevent a Searcher4U.com hijacker?
One way to avoid the infection is to stay away from malicious freeware and installers that are being offered by distrusted websites such as torrent platforms, suspicious file-sharing networks, and infamous software download sites. In the same way, never click on any pop-up advertisements that are endorsing freeware and claiming that it can enhance the online browsing and searching experience.
Furthermore, installing an anti-virus or anti-malware program is the best protection against the infamous Searcher4u.com or similar adware and malware attacks.
Procedures to Remove Searcher4u.com from Mac
Systematic instructions and tools for the successful removal of browser threat are outlined on this section. This is helpful to totally get rid of Searcher4u.com browser hijacker from infected browser programs.
Even ordinary Mac users can understand and follow this guide because it was created with less complexities and technicalities. Also, make sure to run the scanners to automatically delete harmful items belonging to Searcher4u.com browser hijacker.
Quick Fix - Scan the Mac Computer with Combo Cleaner
Combo Cleaner is a trusted Mac utility application with complete antivirus and optimization features. It is useful in dealing with adware, malware, and PUP's. Moreover, it can get rid of malicious browser hijacker like Searcher4u.com. You may need to purchase full version if you require to maximize its premium features.
1. Download the tool from the following page:
2. Double-click the downloaded file and proceed with the installation.
3. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon onto your Applications folder icon.
4. Open your Launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon.
5. Wait until antivirus downloads its latest virus definition updates and click on "Start Combo Scan" to start removing Searcher4u.com.
6. Free features of Combo Cleaner include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus and privacy scanner, users have to upgrade to a premium version.
Aside from automatic removal using the recommended utility application, you can also remove Searcher4u.com with manual procedure. If you are comfortable in executing this course, please proceed below.
Step 1 : Delete Searcher4u.com from Mac Applications
1. Open Finder on you Mac computer.
2. Next, go to top menu and click Go. From the drop-down list, click on Applications to view the contents of Applications Folder.
3. Browse the Applications folder and look for Searcher4u.com. If it is not present, find any unwanted or suspicious program that is probably relevant to the browser hijacker.
4. To delete Searcher4u.com from Mac, simply Drag it to Trash Bin. You can also highlight/select the item and press Delete on your keyboard.
5. Next, delete Searcher4u.com from Trash Bin. Right-click the Trash icon and click Empty Trash.
Step 2 : Remove Browser Extensions that belongs to Searcher4u.com
1. Locate the add-on or extension that is relevant to the hijacker. To do this, please follow the following depending on affected browser.
Safari - Choose Preferences from the Safari menu, then click the Extensions icon. This will open a window showing all installed extensions.
Chrome - Select Preferences from the Chrome menu, and then click the Extensions link found on the left pane.
Firefox - Choose Add-ons from the Menu. Look at both the Extensions and Plug-ins lists when it opens a new window.
2. Once you have located Searcher4u.com or any suspicious item, click on Remove or Uninstall, to get rid of it.
3. Close the browser and proceed to the next steps.
Step 3 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed Searcher4u.com
1. Select and copy the string below to your Clipboard by pressing Command + C on your keyboard.
~/Library/LaunchAgents
2. Go to your Finder. From the menu bar please select Go > Go to Folder...
3. Press Command + V on your keyboard to paste the copied string. Press Return to go to the said folder.
4. You will now see a folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:
- unknown.download.plist
- unknown.ltvbit.plist
- unknown.update.plist
- com.unknown
The term unknown is just a representation of the actual malware name. It is normally an unfamiliar file name such as the following:
- Searcher4u, Genieo
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing Searcher4u.com to be present on your Mac. Arranging all items to see the most latest ones may also help you identify recently installed unfamiliar files. Please press Option + Command + 4 on your keyboard to arrange the application list in chronological order.
Important: Take note of all the suspicious files as you may also delete the same item on another folder as we go on.
5. Drag all suspicious files that you may find to Trash.
6. Please restart the computer.
7. Open another folder using the same method as above. Copy and Paste the following string to easily locate the folder.
~/Library/Application Support
8. Look for any suspicious items that are similar to the ones in Step 4. Drag them to the Trash.
9. Repeat the process on the following non-hidden folders (without ~):
/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/Application Support
/Library/Preferences
Optional : For locked files that cannot be removed, do the following:
1. Go to Launchpad, Utilities folder, open Activity Monitor.
2. Select the process you want to quit.
3. Click on Force Quit button.
4. You may now delete or remove locked files that belongs to Searcher4u.com homepage hijacker.
Step 4 : Double-check with MBAM Tool for Mac
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac from the link below.
2. Run Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac. It will check for updates and download if most recent version is available. This is necessary in finding recent malware threats including Searcher4u.com.
3. If it prompts to close all running web browser, please do so. Thus, we advise you to PRINT this guide for your reference before going offline.
4. Once it opens the user interface, please click on Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.
5. After the scan, Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac will display a list of identified threats, Searcher4u.com is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click Remove button to clean the computer.
Step 5 : Remove Searcher4u.com from Homepage and Search
Safari
- Open your Safari browser.
- Go to Safari Menu located on upper left hand corner, and then select Preferences.
- Under General tab, navigate to Default Search Engine section and select Google or any valid search engine.
- Next, be sure that "New Windows Open With" field is set to Homepage.
- Lastly, remove Searcher4u.com from the Homepage field. Replace it with your preferred URL to be set as your default homepage.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome browser.
- Type the following on the address bar and press Enter on keyboard : chrome://settings/
- Look for 'On Startup' area.
- Select 'Open a specific page or set of pages'.
- Click on More Actions and select Edit.
- Enter the desired web address as your home page, replacing Searcher4u.com. Click Save.
- To set default search engine, go to Search Engine area.
- Click on 'Manage search engines...' button.
- Go to questionable Search Engine. Click on More Actions and Click 'Remove from list'.
- Go back to Search Engine area and choose valid entry from Search engine used in the address bar.
Mozilla Firefox
- Run Mozilla Firefox browser.
- Type the following on the address bar and hit Enter on keyboard : about:preferences
- On Startup area, select 'Show your home page' under 'When Firefox starts' field.
- Under Home Page field, type the desired URL to replace Searcher4u.com settings.
- To configure default search engine, select Search on left sidebar to display settings.
- Under Default Search Engine list, please select one.
- On the same page, you have an option to Remove unwanted search engine.
Step 6 : Delete Searcher4u.com Login Items
Some browser hijacker may also install login item into compromised account under System Preferences. This object automatically runs Searcher4u.com during user log in.
1. Go to Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Select Users & Groups from the preferences window.
3. You may need to Unlock this area in order to make changes. Click on the Lock icon on lower left corner of the window.
4. Next, select user account that runs Searcher4u.com.
5. Click on Login Items tab.
6. Select Searcher4u.com or any suspicious entries from the list and click on the minus [-] button and confirm your actions. Please see image below for reference.
Optional : If unable to change browser settings, execute these steps:
Some user complains that there is no way to change browser settings because it is grayed out by Searcher4u.com. In such situation, it is important to check if there is unwanted profile. Please do the following:
1. Quit any running applications and launch System Preferences from your Dock.
2. Under System Preferences, click Profiles.
3. Select , Searcher4u.com or any relevant profile from the left pane. See image below.
4. At the bottom of this window, click minus [-] button to delete the account. Please refer to image above.
5. Close the Profiles window and open the affected browser to change all settings associated with Searcher4u.com.
