Baysearch.co Redirect (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is baysearch.co?
baysearch.co is a fake search engine that developers promote using the BaySearch Video application. This app supposedly allows users to access various movies and online videos directly from their browsers. Therefore, BaySearch Video may seem to be a legitimate and useful tool, however, it is categorized as a browser hijacker, a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
Typically, users are tricked into installing these apps unintentionally. Avoid apps such as BaySearch Video, since they record data relating to browsing activity and also make changes to browser settings.
Like most of these hijackers, BaySearch Video targets popular browsers such as Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. Once installed, this app assigns baysearch.co as the default search engine, new tab URL, and homepage.
Therefore, users with BaySearch Video installed are forced to visit this website when they open a browser, new tab, or enter a search query into the URL bar. It also prevents users from undoing these changes, unless the app is uninstalled. Using the baysearch.co search engine might also cause installation of malicious programs.
Rather than providing legitimate search results, it redirects to untrustworthy (potentially malicious) websites. Furthermore, BaySearch Video is categorized as data-tracking app, since it continually records browsing-related information such as geo-locations, search queries, URLs of visited websites, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, etc.
Developers share the data with third parties (possibly, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. We recommend that you uninstall BaySearch Video app and all other similar apps immediately.
Name | BaySearch Video 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. |
BaySearch Video is similar to other apps of this type, such as TapuFind, Safe Finder, and Search-Bee. These apps are promoted as offering 'useful' features but most share the same purpose - to generate revenue for the developers by gathering data and causing unwanted redirects.
Some PUAs also feed users with intrusive ads. They rarely provide users with the functionality promised or any other value.
How did baysearch.co install on my computer?
There is a website that is used to promote the BaySearch Video app, however, users generally install these apps unintentionally during download/installation of third party software that has additional 'bundled' software. "Bundling" is a deceptive marketing method used to trick users into downloading/installing unwanted apps together with other software.
Developers often successfully trick users by hiding these extra apps in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar options or settings of the download/installation processes. Generally, developers do not disclose information about the inclusion of bundled PUAs. Despite this, skipping download/installation steps is the main cause of these inadvertent installations.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To avoid PUA download/installation, download software using only trustworthy, official websites (or other sources) and direct links. Do not use third party software downloaders or installers, since they are often monetized by promoting PUAs using the aforementioned "bundling" method. Do not rush downloads/installations without first checking the available options and settings.
Examine "Custom", "Advanced" and other options/settings, deselect unwanted applications, and only then finish the download/installation process. Avoid visiting untrustworthy websites and clicking ads displayed on them. Most intrusive ads redirect users to untrustworthy websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on).
If you encounter intrusive ads or unwanted redirects, it is possible that these are caused by installed PUAs. Check for unwanted/dubious apps (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) installed on your browser. Remove any unknown, suspicious, or unwanted entries.
Do the same with programs installed on your computer. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting BaySearch Video browser hijacker:
Screenshot of a BaySearch Video extension installed on Google Chrome:
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 baysearch.co?
- STEP 1. Remove baysearch.co related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove baysearch.co redirect from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove baysearch.co browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove baysearch.co homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove browser redirects to baysearch.co using Combo Cleaner:
baysearch.co redirect removal:
Remove baysearch.co-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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