Go.pagazonia.com Redirect (Mac)

What is go.pagazonia.com?

go.pagazonia.com is a fake search engine (virtually identical to go.bonefreeze.com, go.adicococo.com, go.genieonewsapp.com, and many others) that supposedly provides improved results.

In fact, it is categorized as a fake, untrustworthy search engine promoted using rogue download/installation set-ups that modify browser settings. Furthermore, go.pagazonia.com records browsing-related information.

Typically, rogue set-ups target popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox. They change settings such as default search engine, homepage, and new tab URL - in this case, by assigning them to go.pagazonia.com. Therefore, users are forced to visit this website when they open a browser/new browser tab or search via the URL bar.

In addition, these changes cannot be undone, since rogue set-ups install "helper objects" - apps that prevent users from undoing the aforementioned settings. Helper objects reassign browser settings when attempts are made to change them. Generally, the assigned settings cannot be changed while helper objects are installed.

When a search query is entered into go.pagazonia.com, it redirects to search.yahoo.com (a legitimate Yahoo search engine) and displays results generated by Yahoo. Therefore, go.pagazonia.com is useless as a search engine.

Another downside of having "helper objects" installed and using this fake search engine is that both record browsing-related data, such as IP addresses, search queries, geo-locations, URLs of visited websites, and so on. They might also collect other personal data.

This information is continually shared with third parties (possibly also cyber criminals) who misuse the details to generate revenue. Uninstall any apps that force you to use fake search engines, since they might cause privacy issues, browsing safety problems, or even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	go.pagazonia.com 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.

Typically, developers promote fake search engines as legitimate and useful. They offer various features such as quick accesses to popular websites or 'useful tools', however, these are attempts to trick people into using their search engines (which are used to generate revenue).

Fake search engines provide none of the functionality promised, cause unwanted redirects, and gather data. In some cases, they even generate false results and intrusive ads, thus leading to dubious (potentially malicious) websites. Using these bogus sites can lead to various system infections.

How did go.pagazonia.com install on my computer?

Developers of go.pagazonia.com promote the site using rogue download/installation set-ups and "bundling", a method to trick users into downloading and installing unwanted apps, or allowing them to make changes to browser settings.

Generally, information bundled apps or modifications to browser settings is hidden within "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar parts of the installation/download set-up. Many users inadvertently grant permission to install unwanted apps or change browser settings by skipping installation/download steps and leaving settings unchanged.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Be cautious when browsing the web and downloading/installing software. Check "Custom/Advanced" settings of all download/installation setups and opt-out of additionally-included programs. Avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since developers monetize them by promoting unwanted apps.

Your software should be downloaded from official sources and using direct download links. Intrusive ads often seem legitimate, but often redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites.

In most cases, they are displayed by adware-type applications. If you experience these unwanted redirects, check the list of installed applications/browser plug-ins (extensions or add-ons) and uninstall any suspicious entries. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

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:

• What is go.pagazonia.com?
• STEP 1. Remove go.pagazonia.com related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove go.pagazonia.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove go.pagazonia.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove go.pagazonia.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove browser redirects to go.pagazonia.com using Combo Cleaner:

go.pagazonia.com redirect removal:

Remove go.pagazonia.com-related potentially unwanted applications from your "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

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

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

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

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.

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

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

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

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

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

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.

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

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

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.

Scan 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.

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.

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

Remove Safari browser hijackers:

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

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:

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:

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.

Remove Google Chrome browser hijackers:

Click the 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".

Change your homepage

Click the 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:

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (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".

Change your homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (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:

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

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

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

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