Remove EngageSearch Browser Hijacker From Mac OS

Complete Guideline To Delete EngageSearch

EngageSearch is a type of browser hijacker that infects most widely used browsers on Mac and changes homepage and search settings to illegitimate search engine. The potentially unwanted program target list includes Chrome, Safari, Firefox and other commonly used browsers. The majority of people have reported that their Mac PCs got infected with this browser hijacker via fake Adobe Flash Player update pop-up or downloaded it in a freeware bundle. Once it enters the computer, this potentially unwanted application starts manipulating the settings on the browser.

Depth Analysis Of EngageSearch:

Right after the infection, the affected browser is corrupted. EngageSearch changes the primary search engine, and starts forcing users to use a fraudulent one. The landing page to which people are redirected might differ. However, most users notice search.macsafefinder.com, search.safefinderformac.com or search.safefinder.com set as their main search engines. Sad to say that it is exceptionally difficult to get rid of any Search Manager from the infected browser. Thus, people are forced to use a fake search engine. Additionally, it delivers altered query results and redirects users to affiliated pages.

Security experts warn that sites where EngageSearch redirects you may try to lure you into a scam, offer low-quality products/services, or even push malware infections. Therefore, keeping this hijacker on your work-station significantly increases the risk of other cyber threats appearing on your Mac computer. Keep in mind that the affected browser begins to crash from the quantity of ads this PUP delivers. Users can experience slowdowns even in the short-run. In addition, the advertisements can carry a vicious code. It means that if you click on them, it may trigger an installation of cyber threat.

Furthermore, EngageSearch may raise privacy concerns as it records every entry from the fake search engine. If you type personal information or credentials, the makers of the hijacker collects them and might share with third-parties. And hence, our security professionals convince you to get rid of this browser hijacker as soon as you notice its presence. You can learn how to perform the removal of EngageSearch from Chrome, Safari, and Mozilla by following the instructions at the end of this article.

Quick Glance

Name: EngageSearch

Type: Mac Virus, Browser Hijacker, Potentially unwanted program

Short Description: Redirects users to affiliated sites, promotes sponsored products, services and programs and make online income for the makers, Also steals users’ personal and confidential information and share them with hackers for evil purposes.

Symptoms: Modified default browser’s settings, default Internet search engine, Tons of intrusive ads, Fake pop-up messages, identity theft, new tab settings. Users are enforced to visit hijacker’s website and search the Internet using their search engines, slowness of infected system’s performance.

Distribution methods: Free software installers (bundling), Deceptive emails, malicious pop-ups ads, fake flash player installers.

Damage: Web browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites.

Removal: To get rid of this infection and other malware threats, our security researchers recommend scanning your computer with a powerful anti-malware tool.

Infiltration of EngageSearch In Mac PCs:

The main distribution source of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) is either deceitful Adobe Flash update pop-ups or freeware bundles. Both methods try to secretly infiltrate this browser hijacker by taking advantage of unsuspecting computer users. People after being infected with this threat claimed that they were tricked by scammers. A very legitimate-looking pop-up stated that they need to update their Adobe Flash Player. Unfortunately, this message is fake and only used to penetrate browser hijackers like EngageSearch. Furthermore, it is also bundled with other questionable applications as add-ons. Since hijacker is not the primary software, many people are not even aware that they are installing one on their computers.

Prevent Device From PUPs?

This notorious malware threat gets spread as a well-designed fake Adobe update online. Users can be tricked to install such PUPs since the fake pop-ups look almost the same as real notifications from the legitimate software. Thus, you should look attentively before clicking on any suggestions to update applications. Moreover, we suggest downloading any software only from official websites or authorized distributors. Once you start the installation procedure, you must always pick Manual/Advanced installation settings. If you are offered to finish the procedure in Quick/Custom/Express mode, always deny it. Usually, PUAs are hidden in the steps that these parameters avoid to display for the user. But at the moment, just take a quick action and remove EngageSearch from system.

Remove Files and Folders Related to EngageSearch

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove EngageSearch from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete EngageSearch add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to EngageSearch. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.