The internet is full of useful information but also contains intrusive software and unwanted extensions. One such nuisance is WebQuestSearch, a browser hijacker that disrupts your online experience by altering your default search engine and injecting unwanted ads.
Here, we discuss WebQuestSearch, how it infiltrates your Mac, the signs of infection, and methods for removing it.
Below we have discussed:
Also read: What is InitialProgramHelper? How to remove it from Mac?
What is WebQuestSearch?
WebQuestSearch is a type of adware that targets Mac computers. It hijacks your web browser, flooding you with unwanted advertisements and altering your search settings. This can be a frustrating experience, interrupting your online activities and potentially exposing you to malicious content.
How does WebQuestSearch infiltrate Macs?
WebQuestSearch often gets onto your Mac bundled with seemingly legitimate free software. You might download it unknowingly when installing media players, PDF readers, or other free apps. It’s crucial to be cautious during installation, paying attention to optional components and unticking any boxes related to WebQuestSearch or similar programs.
Signs of WebQuestSearch infection
Here are some red flags that might indicate WebQuestSearch infects your Mac:
- Your default search engine changes to WebQuestSearch.
- You see an increase in intrusive pop-up ads and browser redirects.
- Your browser homepage is modified to display WebQuestSearch.
- Your searches are redirected through WebQuestSearch, potentially compromising your search results.
Also read: What is ActivityInputfld on Mac? How to remove it?
How to remove it?
Here’s how you can remove WebQuestSearch completely from your Mac:
Quit suspicious processes
Open the Activity Monitor, identify any suspicious processes related to WebQuestSearch or unfamiliar applications, and quit them. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Go to Finder, click on Applications and then click on Utilities.
Step 2: In Utilities, run the Activity Monitor.
Step 3: In the Activity Monitor, click on the Memory tab.
Step 4: Look for suspicious processes, select them, click on the Cross at the top and then click on the Force Quit.
Uninstall suspicious apps
In the Applications section, look for any suspicious apps you don’t remember installing, particularly WebQuestSearch, MPlayerX, or NicePlayer. Here are the steps:
Step: Go to Finder, click on the Applications option in the sidebar, right-click on the suspicious app, and then click the Move to Bin option in the dropdown menu.
Delete suspicious files
Step 1: Open Finder, click on the Go tab and then click on the Go to Folder in the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Go to /Library/LaunchAgents and look for suspicious files, anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. Some known malicious files are: WebQuestSearch, ‘com.AdditionalChannelSearchDaemon’, ‘com.WebQuestSearch’, ‘com.WebQuestSearch.plist’, and delete them.
Step 3: Repeat the process for the following folders
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/Application Support
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
Remove the suspicious extension from your browser
Safari
Step 1: Open the Safari browser, click on Safari, and then, in the dropdown menu, click on the Settings option.
Step 2: Click the Extensions tab, select the Extension you want to remove, and then click Uninstall.
Chrome
Step 1: Click on the Triple-dot menu. In the dropdown menu, hover over Extensions and then click Manage Extensions.
Step 2: Click the Remove button under the extension you want to remove in the Extensions.
Firefox
Step 1: Click on the Menu (triple horizontal bars) icon, and then in the dropdown menu, click on the Addons and themes option.
Step 2: Click on the triple horizontal dots icon beside the extension you want to remove, and then, in the dropdown menu, click Remove.
Run a Malware scan
To ensure that Web Search Quest hasn’t left behind any malware or potentially unwanted programs, running a thorough malware scan using reputable antivirus software is a good idea. This will help detect and remove any remaining threats lurking on your system.
While WebQuestSearch may seem like a minor nuisance, its presence on your Mac could open the door to more serious security threats. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove WebQuestSearch and restore your Mac to its optimal state. Remember to stay vigilant when downloading and installing software, and always opt for trusted sources to avoid encountering similar issues in the future.
Also read: What is ProType? How to remove it from Mac?
