How to Remove SafeFinder from Mac
3 Easy Steps to Remove a SafeFinder Virus from Mac
SafeFinder is a browser hijacker that is capable of infecting all browsers, including Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Once it sneaks into your Mac computer, it will change the homepages and default search engine for your web browsers and redirect all your searches to sponsored Yahoo search, pushing you to visit dubious sites. It displays lots of ads and pop-ups and collects data about your browsing behavior.
SafeFinder is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware and typically infiltrates operating systems without the user’s consent. It’s not helpful software, so if you find it on your device, you should delete it immediately.
Wondering how to get rid of SafeFinder on your Mac? Go on reading this article to get a better idea of SafeFinder, learn about the ways it can infect your device, and how you can remove it.
How to Tell if Your Mac Is Infected with SafeFinder?
If SafeFinder gets into your Mac, you will notice changes once you open your preferred browser – the homepage will be changed to a web address that has a word “safefinder.”
As any browser hijacker, this adware is downloaded on your Mac along with free apps or tools. This deceptive marketing method is called bundling – when potentially unwanted programs are downloaded together with regular software/apps in a stealth way. “Bundled” PUPs are typically hidden within custom or advanced settings (or other sections) of the download and installation processes. Many users often skip installation steps and can install such programs accidentally if they fail to decline the offer.
That’s why you should always be careful when you download something from the web. It’s critical to always carefully follow all the installation steps when you install a new app. If you see that any unknown extra software is set to be added by default, decline these options. And if you think that the installation instructions are suspicious, you should quit the setup process as soon as possible.
How to Remove It from Your Mac?
The easiest way to get rid of SafeFinder is by using one of the good automated malware removal tools. You can also remove it manually, although it’s a rather long process. If you decide to do it, you should follow these 3 steps.
Step 1: Uninstall SafeFinder from Your Applications Folder
- Open Finder and click Applications.
- Examine the list of apps installed on your device, and look for suspicious programs that you didn’t remember to download, or that doesn’t sound like genuine software.
- If you find one, move it to Trash and click Empty Trash.
To fully eliminate this hijacker, you‘ll also need to delete malicious files in Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders. Choose Go and then click on Go to Folder. Look for any suspicious entries you don’t remember installing and delete them.
Source https://www.enstep.com/2020/02/21/5-common-computer-viruses-you-may-encounter-in-2020
Step 2: Check Login Items
- Choose System Preferences in the Apple menu.
- Click on Users &Groups and then on the Login Items tab. The operating system will show you the list of programs that are launched at start up.
- Review the list to identify the potentially unwanted application there and press the “-” button.
Step 3: Remove SafeFinder from Browsers
Even if you uninstall the SafeFinder app along with its components spread around the operating system, the infection is most likely to stay in your default browser. That’s why you’ll need to restore the settings of your web browser to their default values. Keep in mind that in this way, you’ll also clear practically all your customization settings and web surfing history, as well as all temporary files stored by sites.
How to Avoid the Risks of SafeFinder for Mac
If you want to avoid viruses like Safe Finder taking control of your browser and spying on you, you should be more careful when browsing the Internet and installing freeware on your computer.
- Always download applications and files from reliable official sources, using only direct download links;
- When you download or install something, carefully analyze each window of the dialogs during the download or installation process;
- Block malicious websites using an ad blocker;
- Don’t click on intrusive pop-ups or banner ads;
- Never interact with suspicious webpages that offer you to install something on your computer for free.