Remove Searchitnow.info from Mac computer

Tips for Searchitnow.info removal

Searchitnow.info is malicious web domain that works as search engine and claims to enhance user’s web browsing experience by generating improved results. At the first appearance, this site look like legitimate and useful as compare  to Google, Yahoo, Bing and so on. But in reality, all such claims made by them are false and phony. Therefore, many users believe that this site is also legit however, developers promote it by using rogue downloader or installers that modifies browser options without having permission.

Further, it also has the ability to record information related to user’s internet web browsing activity. Additionally, Searchitnow.info is an unreliable search engine and a browser hijacker that changes the new tab address, homepage and search engine of installed browsers such as Google chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and many others. When searches are performed, users are instantly redirected to goto-searchitnow.global.ssl.fastly.net and then to different search engine. This significantly diminishes the web browsing experience as well as slows down internet speed.

The main purpose of this virus is to generate revenue for its developers and their partners by providing the search results with sponsored links, redirecting users to questionable sites and tracking various information. Furthermore, Searchitnow.info has data tracking features which are used to collect information including IP addresses, pages viewed, entered search queries and other similar details and shared with potent cyber criminals who misuse it in order to generate income. So, if you encounter such unwanted redirects, then immediately eliminate all dubious applications and never return to this websites.

Intrusion tactics of Searchitnow.info:

Searchitnow.info is promoted by using deceptive download or installation setups of other programs. The most common and effective methods is software bundling and intrusive advertising. As you know, bundling is described as the silent installation of unwanted apps that take place along with regular free software especially freeware. However, information about all such apps is not disclosed properly and it is hidden behind custom, advance and other similar settings of installation setups. Thus, users rush and skip all those important steps and keep them remain unchanged and unchecked and often allow inadvertent installation of unwanted programs. On the other hand, intrusive adverts also proliferate PUAs. Once clicked, those ads can execute scripts that can download and install unwanted software without having users consent.

How to prevent intruding PUAs?

PUPs are also distributed using bundling methods and intrusive advertisements, therefore to prevent infiltration of unwanted programs always be careful while downloading and installing software as well as browsing internet. Carefully examine each step of installation processes and opt out for third party applications. All software should only be downloaded by using official websites and via direct links.

Other tools should not be recommended as they are monetized through bundling methods. Further, developers invest lots of money into designing intrusive ads and make them legitimate. Once clicked, redirect to dubious websites. Most are delivered by adware type programs. Moreover, if your system is already infected by Searchitnow.info then we recommend you running a scan with reliable antivirus removal tool.

Short description

Name: Searchitnow.info

Threat Type: Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Mac malware, Mac virus

Description: This harmful malware injects malicious codes on your browser as well as in your system settings that causes lots of troubles.

Symptoms: Manipulated Internet browser settings. Users are forced to visit hijacker’s website and search the Internet using their search engines. Your Mac becomes slower than normal.

Distribution methods: Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, malicious ads and popup, torrent file downloads.

Damage: Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.

Removal: To remove Searchitnow.info, we recommend our users to follow given below removal guidelines.

Remove Files and Folders Related to Searchitnow.info

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 Searchitnow.info 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 Searchitnow.info 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 Searchitnow.info. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.