There is a popular opinion that Mac systems are inherently more secure than Windows. In fact, most Mac users don’t even bother to use an antivirus or anti-malware software. Objectively speaking, that opinion may or may not be true. Mainly because that depends on a variety of factors like the number of Mac users, how they use their system, how computer literate they are, etc. However, over the past few years, the threats to Mac users have been increasing, thanks to quickly spearing malware, ransomware, and adware.
How to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware in Mac OS X v10.6 or earlier Learn how to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware in Mac OS X v10.6 or earlier. A phishing scam has targeted Mac users by redirecting them from legitimate websites to fake websites which tell. Malwarebytes Premium is a no frills, anti-malware security program that is meant to be your full-time security suite. Its approach to detecting malware may not sit well with some, and its greatest. This starts with state-of-the-art antivirus software built in to block and remove malware. Technologies like XD (execute disable), ASLR (address space layout randomization), and SIP (system integrity protection) make it difficult for malware to do harm, and they ensure that processes with root permission cannot change critical system files. Malwarebytes protects you against malware, ransomware, malicious websites, and other advanced online threats that have made traditional antivirus obsolete and ineffective. Download Malwarebytes for free and secure your PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Read: Best Malware Removal Tools For Windows
Avoid MacKeeper
Mac users interested in Mac os x 10.9.5 adware generally download: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 4.6 Free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a Mac utility that helps you boost your system protection by finding and removing adware threats from your computer.
I bet you might have seen ads on websites (mostly porn sites), telling you to clean your Mac with MacKeeper. And while it’s legitimate software (as in not a virus), but it’s nonetheless useless and a waste of resources. Also, uninstalling MacKeeper isn’t easy as well. So, no matter what you do, avoid MacKeeper at any cost.
Instead, it is essential that you use a good anti-malware software so that not only you can be safe but also avoid spreading malware, ransomware, and viruses to other users. Here are some of the best anti-malware software for mac.
Read: How I Removed Malware From my WordPress Site
Best Anti Malware for Mac
1. Malwarebytes
When it comes to dealing with malware and other nasty stuff like rootkits, there is no other software that more popular than Malwarebytes. Other than it being able to remove malware from Mac effectively, the best thing about Malwarebytes is that it plays nice with your other antivirus software if you’ve already installed any. In fact, most users including me use Malwarebytes as a backup and perform weekly scans just to make sure that the system hasn’t been infected or has infected files.
To scan your system all you have to do is install the application, launch it and hit the scan button. As soon as you hit the button, it can do a quick scan for malware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), rootkits, adware, spyware, virus, etc., both in your system memory and hard disk. If it finds any threats, it will automatically quarantine those threats.
For in-depth scanning, select the custom scan option. Do keep in mind that the custom scan can take a couple of hours depending on the amount of data you have on your hard disk.
Download Malwarebytes (free, $40 for pro version)
2. Systweak Anti-Malware
Systweak Anti-Malware is a dedicated malware scanning and removal software for MacOS. Just like Malwarebytes, Systweak Anti-Malware scans for malware, rootkits, viruses, and adware in your hard disk and system memory. Once it finds a threat, it automatically quarantines it. If you know that Systweak Anti-Malware quarantined a false positive, you can restore the file or app with just a single click. For regular, deep, or custom scans, you can create custom schedules.
If you know a file or folder to be safe, you can exclude them from scanning avoiding any possible false positives by adding them to the exclude list. Of course, Systweak Anti-Malware always runs in the background and protects your Mac system from malware and PUPs in real-time. Other features of the software include start-up scan, memory scan, and beginner friendly user interface.
So, if you unsatisfied or looking for a good alternative for Malwarebytes you should try Systweak Anti-Malware.
Download Systweak Anti-Malware ($40)
3. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is another popular software to protect your mac from various threats like malware, virus, trojans, adware, spyware, unwanted software, and much more. The best thing about Bitdefender is that apart from protecting you from regular threats, it can actively scan in multiple layers and protect your system from ransomware. Other than that, Bitdefender can also keep an eye on cross-platform threats so that you don’t unintentionally spread malware, virus, or other infected files to your friends, colleagues or family.
Since Bitdefender always runs in the background, it can block any and all threats in real-time. Of course, Bitdefender also scans your system occasionally. If needed, you can create custom schedules with various configurations and scan settings. Bitdefender also has other features like backup protection, safe files, parental controls, secure shopping protection, etc.
Simply put, if you need a full-fledged software that can do much more than blocking and removing malware then give Bitdefender a try.
Download Bitdefender ($50 – $70 according to the version you choose)
4. Avast
Just like Bitdefender, Avast is not just an anti-malware software, it is a anti-virus software that can scan and protect your system from a wide range of threats. In fact, if you’ve ever searched for a anti-virus software, you should have definitely heard about Avast.
Using Avast you can regularly scan your system and create your own schedules to better protect your system. Along with anti-malware security, Avast can also protect your system from infected emails, unprotect WiFi network, and ransomware. Other features of the software include real-time protection, detailed security reports, browser protection, ability to shield you from dangerous downloads and PUPs, etc.
As good as the software is, while using Avast, you should be ready for a little bit of performance dip, at least, that is my experience while using Avast. Other than that, Avast is a pretty good and reputed software to protect Mac system from online and offline threats.
Download Avast (free, $70 for pro version)
5. AVG
AVG is yet another popular software that can protect you from malware, viruses, trojans, adware, and other threats. The good thing about AVG is that you can scan your system for threats related to Mac, Windows, and Android so that you don’t spread viruses or malware to other systems. Also, thanks to the simple and minimal design, using AVG to scan or create scanning schedules is pretty easy and straightforward. Moreover, unlike Avast, AVG always runs in the background and provides real-time protection for free.
As good as it is, when you try to download AVG from the official site, you will be redirected to the CNET website. So, be careful while installing it on your system as CNET has a habit of bundling adware and other toolbars along with the software you are trying to install.
If you are looking for all-around protection with real-time threat analysis and blocking then you should go with AVG.
Download AVG (free)
6. Sophos Home
Another popular opinion amongst Mac users which is more than just an Anti-Malware. Sophos Home comes with a bunch of extra features including a live chat support.
Sophos offers features like Anti-virus and ransomware security along with anti-malware protection. The programme also lets you remotely manage your devices. Yes ‘Device(s)’, Sophos home can be used in up to 10 devices for the paid version and 3 devices for the free version. Doesn’t end here, Sophos Home also lets you put on parental controls so that none of your devices reach the unprotected side of Web.
Download Sophos Home (30 day trial, $27 yearly for premium)
Wrapping Up: Best Anti Malware for Mac
If you are looking for a dedicated anti-malware software that plays well with other antivirus and firewall software then go with Malwarebytes. As a premium option, you can also try Systweak Anti-Malware. If you are looking for a full-fledged anti-virus software that can extend the protection to viruses, adware, ransomware, and other threats then go with AVG as it provides real-time protection for free. You can also try Bitdefender.
In general, if you know what you are doing on the Internet and don’t download the cracked software or porn, you’ll probably don’t need an anti-virus and/or anti-malware software. That said, if you don’t consider yourself tech savvy or if you are buying a computer for your parents, it’s a good idea to have an anti-malware installed.
That’s for now. If you think I missed any of your favorite anti-malware software then command below and share it with me. It will also help other Mac users.
Read: Top 10 Free Portable Anti-Malware Software to Have on Your Pen Drive
Easy steps to delete GeneralChannelSearch
GeneralChannelSearch is rogue application that has both adware type and browser hijacker traits. It is designed in a way to feed users with various questionable contents and modifies browser settings in order to promote fake search engines. Users come over this site accidentally. Due to its improper infiltration methods, it is considered to be potentially unwanted application. Besides this, the PUAs have the ability to gather the data related to users browsing activity.
Once installed, these PUPs target browsers including Google chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge, Opera and many others. After that, they conduct numerous modifications on the browsers settings and assign the default homepage, search engine and new tab URLs to GeneralChannelSearch. Due to this, users will not be able to return to the previous browsers settings and are forced to visit this domain once they open browsers. The behavior of the browsers totally degrades the web browsing quality.
Additionally, adware delivers intrusive adverts into various forms and diminish the browsing experience by overlaying page content. Upon being clicked, those ads redirect users to malicious or potentially harmful websites and some can even silently download and install software like PUAs. As discussed in the first paragraph that most PUAs (adware and browser hijacker) have data tracking abilities. These apps can monitor browsing activity and collect various information relating to it and shared with third parties.
The gathered data includes IP address, entered search queries, address of visited website, geo-locations and other identifiable information. In short, presence of unwanted software on PC can lead to system infection, severe privacy issues, browsing safety and even becomes victim of identity theft. Thus, to fix all such issues users are recommended to remove GeneralChannelSearch and all suspect applications and browser extensions as soon as possible from the Mac operating system.
Distribution of GeneralChannelSearch:
Some PUPs like GeneralChannelSearch are available free for download at their official websites. However, mostly PUPs are distributed via using intrusive advertisements and deceptive marketing method called bundling. Bundling is actually an undercover installation of third party applications with some regular software.
Developers hide the information about bundled apps under custom or advanced options as well as other settings of downloading/installation processes. Users rush during the download such software and skip crucial installation steps at the installation moment. Due to these behaviors, they often allow the unwanted app installation.
How to prevent intruding the unwanted apps?
- You need to browse online activity with caution as well as when downloading/installing any software.
- Analyze each step of installation processes using custom/advanced option and opt out all additionally attached apps.
- Avoid using third party installers, unofficial pages and other similar sources as they are mostly used in bundling method.
- For any software (programs) download, use only official websites and direct download links.
- Deceptive adverts that appear on unreliable pages should not be clicked as those ads often redirect users to untrustworthy sites relating to adult-dating etc.
Remove GeneralChannelSearch
Manual malware removal threat might be risky and time-taking as well as it also requires advanced computer skills to perform malware removal process. Thus, to protect device and user safety, users are advised to use reliable antivirus removal tool that has the ability to remove GeneralChannelSearch and all infiltrated adware type applications immediately from the Mac PC.
Short summary
Name: GeneralChannelSearch
Type: Mac malware, Mac virus, Adware
Short Description: Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and will display lots of advertisements.
Symptoms: degrade web browsing experience, displaying lots of unwanted advertisements and redirects to dubious sites.
Distribution Method: Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, harmful hyperlinks, porn or torrent sites and many more.
Damage: slow down computer performance, loss of private information, internet browser tracking and so on.
Removal: Both manual as well as automatic guide have been discussed below.
(Macintosh)
If your Mac has been infected, try for powerful Anti-malware Combo Cleaner. It scans your entire drive and allow you search for malicious viruses. If you found any virus during scanning, it is suggested to eliminate soon.
Recommended methods for GeneralChannelSearch removal: Solution for Mac OS X Devices
Anti Malware Osx Malware
GeneralChannelSearch is capable of injecting harmful codes in your Mac OS X devices without your knowledge and starts corrupting major genuine functions or applications in very quick time. To avoid the detection of malicious activities related to this virus, attackers attempt to block security applications/tools running in your device that causes serious troubles. So, you need to remove this type of infection as soon as possible.
It is possible to delete GeneralChannelSearch and all the related components including unwanted programs from PCs and malicious extensions associated to this virus. Here, we are discussing about manual method and automatic method of malware removal that could help you to detect the location malicious files in your computer and remove them safely. Manual method is time consuming and requires lots of technical knowledge or enough computer Knowledge. On other hand, automatic method is user-friendly and easy method that can be helpful for both technical & non-technical users. Let’s take have a look at both the methods one-by-one.
Manual Method: Remove GeneralChannelSearch related components from Mac OS X
Remove GeneralChannelSearch related applications from “Applications” folder
- Click on “Finder” icon and select “Applications” to open “Applications” folder
- In the opened “Applications” folder, locate GeneralChannelSearch related applications in the list
- Select the malicious one and drag it to “Trash” folder
Eliminate GeneralChannelSearch from “LaunchAgents” folder
- Go to “Go > Go To Folder…”
- Type “/Library/LaunchAgents” in “Go To Folder..” and click on “Go” button
- Now, search for malicious programs in the list
- Select it and drag it to “Trash” folder
Remove GeneralChannelSearch from “Application Support” folder
Anti Malware Os X
- Navigate to “Go > Go To Folder…”
- In the opened “Go To Folder”, type “/Library /Application Support” and then click on “Go” button
- Now, find the malicious files or folders related to GeneralChannelSearch in the list
- Select the malicious one and drag it to “Trash” folder
Delete GeneralChannelSearch from “LaunchDaemons” folder
- Press “COMMAND + SHIFT + G” together to open “Go To Folder”
- Type “/Library/LaunchDaemons” command in “Go To Folder” and hit “Go” button
- Check for any malicious files or folders associated with GeneralChannelSearch in the list
- Select it and drag it to “Trash” folder
Manual method: Remove all the malicious extensions or add-ons related to GeneralChannelSearch from web browsers
Remove malicious extensions or add-ons from Safari browser
- Open “Safari” browser and click on “Safari Menu”
- Go to “Preferences > Extensions”
- Now, find the malicious extensions in the list
- Select the malicious one and click on “Uninstall” button to remove the extensions
Uninstall all the plug-ins related to GeneralChannelSearch from Mozilla Firefox
- Open “Mozilla Firefox” and click on “Firefox Menu” or “Gear Menu”
- Go to “Add-ons > Extensions”
- Now, look for any recently installed suspicious add-ons in the list
- Select it and click on “Remove” button
Remove GeneralChannelSearch related extensions from Google Chrome
- Open “Google Chrome” and click on “Chrome Menu” or “Gear icon”
- Go to “More Tools > Extensions”
- Locate malicious extensions or plug-ins in the list
- Remove the malicious one by clicking on “Remove” button
Automatic method: Remove GeneralChannelSearch and other infections from Mac Computer
The solution given above is about manual method of malware removal. Now comes to automatic method, we advise to download/install and use “Combo Cleaner” anti-malware software to eliminate all types of malware or spyware from your Mac OS X devices in very quick time. There is no need technical knowledge to implement this step i.e., both technical & non-technical users can easily use this tool for malware elimination.
“Combo Cleaner” antivirus software is powerful security program for Mac OS X devices that is designed to perform various actions against threats and help to boost up the PC performance. It features adware scanning, malware scanning, disk cleaner, smart scanning, external hard drive scanning, duplicate file finder, privacy scanner, big files finder, App uninstaller, etc.
Main features of “Combo Cleaner” anti-malware:
Disk cleaner: This powerful anti-malware software evaluates the contents of your hard disk and advises on the amount of memory that’s safe to remove. It detects unnecessary application caches, downloads, app logs and allow for emptying the “Trash” folder in just one click.
Big File Finder: It checks your local and external storage device for items that take up much disk space and may no longer on your Mac. The default preset looks for files larger than 100 MB, but you can easily customize this parameter by indicating a smaller value.
Duplicate Files finder: This powerful anti-malware is also capable of detecting identical copies or similar matches of same file particularly relevant for photos, audio files and videos which are often download repeatedly.
Antivirus: It is one of fundamental components of “Combo Cleaner” security software that allows users to scan their PCs for malware or other types of infections. It identifies Mac Malware including adware, browser hijackers, popup viruses, Trojan, worm or other types of malware.
Privacy Scanner: It focuses on analyzing the installed web browsers and email clients for “breadcrumbs” that may disclose your personal data and thus pose risk to your identity. This powerful antivirus software takes care of sneaky threats to your online privacy as well as boosts browser performance by removing junk from browser.
How to download/install and use “Combo Cleaner” anti-malware software?
- Click on “Download” button below to download “Combo Cleaner” anti-malware in your computer
- Locate the “Installer file” and drag it to “Applications” folder
- Open “Combo Cleaner” and click on “Antivirus” tab
Anti Malware For Windows 10
- Now, click on “Start Scan Now” button to start the scan
- It will display scan results on screen. If it shows “No Threats Found”, this mean that you can continue with removal guide and if it shows the list of threats detected by this security tool, then click on “Remove All Threats” button to remove them