Photo: Farknot Architect / Shutterstock.com
Coming across unfamiliar software can be confusing and irritating. One such program that has caused concern among Mac users is Search-alpha. This intrusive software often finds its way onto Mac systems without explicit permission, disrupting the user experience with unwanted ads, redirects, and alterations to browser settings.
This article discusses what a Search-alpha is, the symptoms of Search-alpha and the methods to remove it from your Mac.
Below we have discussed:
Also read: How to change the search engine on Mac?
What is Search-alpha?
Search-alpha operates as a browser hijacker, rerouting users’ internet traffic to the Bing search engine. The process involves redirecting data through intermediary domains such as ‘search-location.com’ and ‘api.lisumanagerine.club,’ both recognised for their hijacking activities. Eventually, users find themselves on Bing but encounter unwanted advertisements or altered search results.
Although its main purpose is to generate revenue by manipulating web traffic on Mac systems, browser hijackers like Search-alpha pose more severe threats. They can gather sensitive data such as users’ original IP addresses, browsing habits, and search histories. Moreover, their intrusive ads might contain spyware or keyloggers, which can compromise users’ online account credentials, leading to potential financial losses.
Symptoms of Search-alpha
Here are the key signs indicating that your Mac has been compromised:
- Redirects to search-alpha.com: If you notice your web browser redirecting through the ‘search-alpha.com’ domain before landing on the Bing search engine, your Mac likely harbours this virus.
- Manipulated search engine results: Search-alpha alters search results to promote dubious websites or even direct users to domains infected with viruses.
- Persistent ads: This virus often results in unwanted advertisements and annoying pop-ups, some of which might contain more harmful infections.
- Unwanted browser add-ons: Browser hijackers frequently arrive bundled with deceptive software packages that include additional malicious browser extensions and unwanted programs.
- Sluggish device performance: Like most viruses, Search-alpha initiates numerous additional processes that consume system resources, resulting in a noticeable slowdown of your Mac’s performance.
Also read: What is Wsappx? Why is it causing high CPU usage? Quick Fix
How to remove it from Mac?
Follow the methods below to remove the Search-alpha fully from your Mac:
Scan for Malware
Using a reputable antivirus program is the simplest and most effective way to remove Search-alpha. Many antivirus programs offer real-time protection that can detect and eliminate browser hijackers like Search-alpha.
Quit the suspicious processes
Use Activity Monitor to identify and quit any running processes associated with Search-alpha. Here’s how you can do it:
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.
Also read: Is Vortex mod manager safe?
Remove the suspicious apps
Search for a program named Search-alpha or any other unfamiliar applications in your Applications folder; if you find any remove them:
Step: Go to Finder, click on the Applications option in the sidebar, right-click on the suspicious app, and then click on the Move to Bin option in the dropdown menu.
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 on 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 on 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.
Also read: Fix: Macbook is connected to WiFi but there is no internet
