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Spidersearchshop.com Redirect (Mac)

Also Known As: SpiderSearchShop browser hijacker
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is spidersearchshop.com?

spidersearchshop.com (also known as feed.spidersearchshop.com) is another fake search engine similar to search.search-bee.com, search.searchtheuniverses.com, and search.searchmecenter.com By offering improved search results, spidersearchshop.com attempts to give the impression of legitimacy, however, developers promote this site using a browser-hijacking application called SpiderSearchShop.

Furthermore, spidersearchshop.com and SpiderSearchShop record information relating to web browsing habits.

spidersearchshop.com browser hijacker on a Mac computer

SpiderSearchShop usually targets Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Immediately after infiltration, it assigns the new tab URL, default search engine, and homepage browser options to spidersearchshop.com These changes may seem insignificant, and yet users are unable to revert them.

Research shows that SpiderSearchShop reassigns browser settings when attempts are made to change them. Therefore, as long as SpiderSearchShop is present, returning browsers to their previous states is impossible and users are forced to visit spidersearchshop.com when they search via the URL bar or simply open a new browser tab.

This significantly diminishes the browsing experience. Note that once a search query is entered, users are redirected to search.yahoo.com and, therefore, users end up searching the web via Yahoo (a legitimate search engine), thus making spidersearchshop.com redundant. Another important issue is information tracking.

Research shows spidersearchshop.com and SpiderSearchShop continually record IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other similar information. This collected data typically includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private information.

Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. If you experience redirects to spidersearchshop.com, immediately eliminate the SpiderSearchShop browser hijacker and never return to this site.

Threat Summary:
Name SpiderSearchShop browser hijacker
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

There are dozens of fake search engines, all of which are virtually identical (e.g., search.buildupstage.com, search.zaztov.com, etc.) By offering various "useful features" (improved search results, local weather forecasts, latest worldwide news, shortcuts to popular websites, etc.), fake search engines attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.

They deliver no real value for regular users, cause unwanted redirects, and gather sensitive information. In addition, some fake search engines generate false results and intrusive advertisements, typically leading to dubious (potentially, malicious) websites. Therefore, using fake search engines can lead to computer infections.

How did spidersearchshop.com install on my computer?

SpiderSearchShop has an official download website, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, this potentially unwanted application (PUA) often infiltrates systems without permission. Developers proliferate the SpiderSearchShop browser hijacker using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" and intrusive advertisements.

"Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps. Developers are not honest enough to adequately disclose installation of "bundled" applications and hide them within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

Intrusive advertisements redirect users to malicious websites and execute scripts that download and install malware. Furthermore, many users often skip download/installation steps and click advertisements - behavior that often leads to inadvertent installation of PUAs such as SpiderSearchShop.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. Caution is the key to safety. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on).

These ads are usually delivered by adware-type PUPs. Therefore, in case of suspicious redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. In addition, select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs.

Opt-out of additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. We recommend that you download programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Developers monetize third party downloaders/installers by "bundling" third party applications.

Therefore, these tools should never be used. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Official SpiderSearchShop browser hijacker installation setup:

Delusive installer used to promote spidersearchshop.com

SpiderSearchShop browser hijacker in Safari web browser:

SpiderSearchShop browser hijacker extension in Safari

Website promoting SpiderSearchShop:

Dubious website used to promote spidersearchshop.com

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

spidersearchshop.com redirect removal:

Remove spidersearchshop.com-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from applications folder

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove browser hijacker-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the browser hijackers, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove browser hijackers from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove Safari browser hijackers:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

Change your homepage:

Change Safari homepage

In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the "Set to Current Page" button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.

Change your default search engine:

Change Safari default search engine

In the "Preferences" window, select the "Search" tab. Here you will find a drop-down menu labeled "Search engine:" Simply select your preferred search engine from the drop-down list.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove Google Chrome browser hijackers:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

Change your homepage

Change Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present, click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".

Change your default search engine:

Change Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for a browser hijacker URL, when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

Change your homepage

Change Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove the browser hijacker URL and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Change Mozilla Firefox default search engine - step 1

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".

Change Mozilla Firefox default search engine - step 2

In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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SpiderSearchShop browser hijacker QR code
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