Search.memeinc.net Redirect (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is search.memeinc.net?
Developers present search.memeinc.net as a high quality search engine that enhances the browsing experience by generating improved results.
Judging on appearance alone, search.memeinc.net may seem legitimate and useful, however, developers promote this site using rogue browser-hijacking download/installation set-ups that modify browser options without permission. Furthermore, search.memeinc.net continually records information relating to browsing activity.
Rogue set-ups usually target the most popular browsers including Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. They assign search.memeinc.net as the new tab URL, default search engine, and homepage. These changes may seem insignificant, and yet users are unable to revert them.
Set-ups stealthily install a number of "helper objects" (third party applications and browser plug-ins) to reassign browser options when attempts are made to change them.
Therefore, as long as they are present, returning browsers to their previous states is impossible and ultimately users are forced to visit search.memeinc.net when they open a new browser tab or search via the URL bar. This significantly diminishes the browsing experience.
Furthermore, search.memeinc.net redirects users to search.yahoo.com each time a search query is entered. Therefore, this site does not generate any unique results and is thus useless. Be aware that search.memeinc.net and "helper objects" continually record information relating to browsing activity.
Collected data usually includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people aim to generate as much revenue as possible and, thus, they misuse private information in various ways. Information tracking might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.
If you encounter redirects to search.memeinc.net, immediately remove all suspicious applications/browser extensions and never return to this site.
Name | search.memeinc.net 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. |
search.memeinc.net is identical to dozens of other fake search engines, such as search.dramofog.com, search.pogypog.com, search.yadbazelet.com, etc. In fact, all fake search engines are very similar.
They claim to enhance the browsing experience by providing 'useful features' (weather forecasts, quick access to popular websites, improved search results, and so on), however, these claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. Most fake search engines deliver no value for regular users.
Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. They cause unwanted redirects and gather information. Some even feed users with misleading results and intrusive advertisements. Therefore, using fake search engines might lead to high-risk computer infections.
How did search.memeinc.net install on my computer?
As mentioned above, search.memeinc.net is promoted using rogue download/installation set-ups. This method is called "bundling". Developers know that users often rush download/installation processes and skip steps.
Therefore, all details regarding the modification of browser settings are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" options (or other sections) of these procedures. In this way, users inadvertently grant set-ups to perform changes, put their system at risk of various infections, and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are distributed using the "bundling" method and intrusive advertisements. Therefore, to prevent system infiltration by PUAs, be very cautious when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software.
Intrusive advertisements promote PUAs by redirecting users to infectious websites or simply running scripts that download and install them. Most of these ads seem legitimate, however, once clicked, they redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
They are usually delivered by adware-type apps and, thus, if you encounter dubious ads/redirects, remove all suspicious applications immediately. Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step of the download and installation processes.
Opt-out of additionally-included programs, decline offers to download/install them, and certainly do not allow set-ups to modify any options.
Download apps from official sources only, using direct download links. The key to computer safety is caution. 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 search.memeinc.net:
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is search.memeinc.net?
- STEP 1. Remove search.memeinc.net related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove search.memeinc.net redirect from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove search.memeinc.net browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove search.memeinc.net homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove browser redirects to search.memeinc.net using Combo Cleaner:
search.memeinc.net redirect removal:
Remove search.memeinc.net-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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