In the event that you got used to private browsing, maybe you heard about search encrypt or you are actually utilizing it. But unlike what it advertises on how it is secured for browsing it is actually a browser hijacker and you may want to remove search encrypt.
What’s private browsing supposedly do is not letting other people see your browsing history in a case that you are sharing a computer, it can also prevent cookies from the websites that you visit to be saved on your Mac though and search encrypt is pretending to be a private browser.
Part 1. What Is Search Encrypt on Mac?
The developers of search encrypt will make you believe that by using it you are protecting yourself from possible viruses and malware, but it's not.
It is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) what it does is when it is installed it has the ability to change the browser settings even without your authorization solely for marketing purposes.
It sounds illegal right when a program like this can change your settings without your knowledge, but did you know that when you installed it you are already accepting in that agreement that they can modify your settings since it's written on the terms and conditions of the service. That is how the program covered it well enough.
Signs that your Mac has Search Encrypt Virus
- The browser seems to have lag times and performs slowly than expected
- Links that you are browsing is directing you to a totally non-relevant website
- Your browser’s homepage redirects to searchencrypt.com
- Seeing more pop-ups or banners that is non-relevant on the website that you are browsing
Search Encrypts Potential Risk on your Mac
What makes it scarier is Search Encrypt does not filter the adverts that they are promoting, which makes it more vulnerable to viruses, phishing, and scamming materials.
The danger level of Search Encrypt is at medium to low, however since it is a browser hijacker and keeps track of your browsing history the likely of being hacked or scammed is there. Such as your credentials with financial institutions and social media accounts.
If not then you might fall prey on those false adverts, like warning signs that your computer is at risk and you need to purchase something from their website.
Part 2. How to Prevent Search Encrypt from your Mac
There are ways on how you could get search encrypt, one is by deliberately installing it on your Mac or by downloading some software or applications that search encrypt is already included on the package. Here are some guidelines and tips on how you could prevent search encrypt from your Mac:
- Do not be trigger happy, this means don’t just click any pop-ups or adverts that are showing on your screen, some of them might get your attention that there is a problem on your Mac
- Always check all the information of software or app prior to downloading it
- Make sure that your operating system is always updated
- Check the applications installed on your Mac and extensions installed on your browser
- Perform a deep clean on your Mac regularly using iMyMac PowerMyMac
Bonus Tip: How to Deep Clean your Mac in Easy Steps using iMyMac PowerMyMac
Getting your Mac cleaned is not that easy, all you have to do is delete unnecessary files on your Mac, uninstall outdated software and apps, clean up your browsing history and remove extensions on each of the browsers that you are using.
Keeping that routine can be a long process also there is a tendency that you might forget some of the steps, instead of doing the routine manually you could use iMyMac PowerMyMac a tool that has several features for you to use in just a few clicks
- Download and Launch iMyMac PowerMyMac from imymac.com
- On the main page, it will give you a summary of what is the Status of your Mac like your available internal storage
- Click on the module Master Scan > Click on Scan button
- It will display all of the junk files that you may want to get rid, select the items that you want to delete or click on Select All if you want to delete all of them
- Click on Clean button at the bottom right of the screen
- Repeat the process for Duplicate Finder and Large and Old Files
These are the tips on how to prevent search encrypt from infecting your computer, but what if search encrypt is already on your Mac? On the next part well share the options on how to get rid of search encrypt manually and also with the help of iMyMac PowerMyMac.