How to remove GoSearch22 app/extension from Mac

What is GoSearch22

GoSearch22 is supposed to be an application that will improve the browsing experience, but according to security experts, this program is an adware. Adware can cause problems for your MAC. GoSearch22 can show unwanted adverts on your computer screen so that your cannot block them, redirect your web-browser to shady web-sites, and it can cause malicious webpages to pop up on your internet browser. Adware might end up on your computer after you download and install free programs from a dubious web-site.

Unwanted ads

According to the security researchers, the updated version of the GoSearch22 virus contains native ‘Arm64’ code that allows the virus to run on the most modern Apple computers based on M1 chips. Thus, this virus is able to run its code on the following MAC computers: Mac mini (2020), MacBook Air (2020), and MacBook Pro 13″ (2020). Based on the above, it seems that this virus is the first malware that can run on computers based on ARM processors. The GoSearch22 virus persists on the Mac system via a LaunchAgent and installs itself as an extension to the Safari browser.

Unwanted search ads

Does the GoSearch22 adware steal your confidential information? Adware has the ability to gather your browsing history and sensitive information, including passwords and credit card numbers. In the future, your sensitive information can be sold to third party companies.

How does GoSearch22 get on your Apple Mac

Adware usually come bundled with certain freeware that you download off of the World Wide Web. So, think back, have you ever download and run any free programs. In order to avoid infection, in the Setup wizard, you should be be proactive and carefully read the ‘Terms of use’, the ‘license agreement’ and other installation screens, as well as to always select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Advanced’ installation type, when installing anything downloaded from the Internet.

Threat Summary

How to Remove GoSearch22 (removal steps)

If you have constant pop-ups or unwanted ads, slow computer, freezing computer issues, you are in need of adware removal assistance. The instructions below will guide you forward to get GoSearch22 adware removed and will help you get your MAC operating at peak capacity again.

To remove GoSearch22, execute the following steps:

1. Remove profiles created by GoSearch22
2. Delete GoSearch22 related apps through the Finder
3. Remove GoSearch22 related files and folders
4. Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
5. Remove GoSearch22 from Safari, Chrome, Firefox
6. How to stay safe online
7. Finish words

Remove profiles created by GoSearch22

GoSearch22 can install a configuration profile on the Mac system to block changes made to the browser settings. Therefore, you need to open system preferences, find and delete the profile installed by the adware software.

Click Apple menu ( ) > System Preferences.

In System Preferences, select Profiles. if there is no Profiles in the list of preferences, that means there are no profiles installed on the Mac computer. If there is Profiles in the list, then click on it, then select a profile associated with GoSearch22.

To delete a malicious profile, click on the minus button ( – ) located at the bottom-left of the Profiles screen.

Delete GoSearch22 related apps through the Finder

In the next step, you need to check the list of installed applications on your Mac and remove all unused, unknown and dubious software.

Make sure you have closed all web browsers and other programs. Next, delete any unwanted and suspicious apps from machine using the Finder.

Open Finder and click “Applications”.

Look around the entire list of programs installed on your MAC system. Most likely, one of them is the GoSearch22 adware software. Select the questionable program or the application that name is not familiar to you and delete it.

Drag the questionable application from the Applications folder to the Trash.

Most important, don’t forget, choose Finder -> Empty Trash.

Remove GoSearch22 related files and folders

Now you need to try to find GoSearch22 related files and folders, and then delete them manually. You need to look for these files in certain directories. To quickly open them, we recommend using the “Go to Folder…” command.

Click on the Finder icon. From the menu bar, select Go and click “Go to Folder…”. As a result, a small window opens that allows you to quickly open a specific directory.

Check for GoSearch22 generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchAgents

This will open the contents of the “/Library/LaunchAgents” folder. Look carefully at it and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files: GoSearch22.plist, com.machelper.plist, installapp.plist, macsearch.plist and search.plist. Most often, browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs and adware create several files with similar names.

Check for GoSearch22 generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/Application Support

This will open the contents of the “Application Support” folder. Look carefully at its contents, pay special attention to recently added/changed folder. Move all suspicious folders to the Trash.

Check for GoSearch22 generated files in the “~/Library/LaunchAgents” folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
~/Library/LaunchAgents

Proceed in the same way as with the “/Library/LaunchAgents” and “/Library/Application Support” folders. Look for suspicious and recently added files. Move all suspicious files to the Trash.

Check for GoSearch22 generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Carefully browse the entire list of files and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files to be deleted: com.GoSearch22.plist, com.macsearch.plist, com.search.plist, com.machelper.plist and com.installapp.plist. In most cases, adware software, PUPs and browser hijackers create several files with similar names.

Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes

You can remove GoSearch22 associated files automatically with a help of MalwareBytes. We suggest this free malicious software removal tool because it can easily delete adware, toolbars, potentially unwanted programs and browser hijackers with all their components such as files, folders and system entries.

1. Installing the MalwareBytes Free is simple. First you’ll need to download MalwareBytes by clicking on the link below. Save it on your Windows desktop.
   
   

   Malwarebytes Anti-malware (Mac)
   20127 downloads
   Author: Malwarebytes
   Category: Security tools
   Update: September 10, 2020
   
2. When the downloading process is done, close all apps and windows on your MAC. Open a folder in which you saved it. Run the downloaded file and follow the prompts.
3. Click the “Scan” button for checking your computer for the GoSearch22 adware.
4. As the scanning ends, a list of all threats detected is produced. Review the scan results and then click “Quarantine”.

Remove GoSearch22 from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

Remove unwanted plugins is a easy solution to remove GoSearch22 and revert back web-browser’s settings that have been modified by adware.

Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox
Click on ‘three dots menu’ button at the top right corner of the Chrome window. Select ‘More tools’, then ‘Extensions’. Click ‘Remove’ to uninstall an extension. Click ‘Remove’ in the dialog box. You can also try to remove GoSearch22 by reset Chrome settings.	Click on ‘menu’ button and select ‘Add-ons’. Go to ‘Extensions’ tab. To uninstall an add-on, click on ‘Remove’ button next to it. If you are still experiencing issues with GoSearch22 adware removal, you need to reset Mozilla Firefox browser.
Safari
On the top menu select ‘Safari’, then ‘Preferences’. Select ‘Extensions’ tab. Select an extension you want to delete and click ‘Uninstall’ button next to it.

How to stay safe online

One of the worst things is the fact that you cannot stop all harmful websites using only built-in Windows capabilities. However, there is a application out that you can use to stop unwanted browser redirects, advertisements and pop-ups in any modern web-browsers including Safari, Chrome and Firefox. It is named Adguard and it works very well.

1. Download AdGuard on your MAC by clicking on the link below.
   
   

   AdGuard for Mac download
   3452 downloads
   Author: © Adguard
   Category: Security tools
   Update: January 17, 2018
   
2. Once the downloading process is complete, start the downloaded file. You will see the “Setup Wizard” program window. Follow the prompts.
3. When the installation is finished, click “Skip” to close the installation application and use the default settings, or press “Get Started” to see an quick tutorial which will assist you get to know AdGuard better.
4. In most cases, the default settings are enough and you do not need to change anything. Each time, when you start your machine, AdGuard will start automatically and stop unwanted ads, block harmful and misleading web-pages.

Finish words

Once you have finished the few simple steps outlined above, your Apple Mac should be clean from this adware software and other malicious software. The Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari will no longer open any unwanted websites when you surf the Net. Unfortunately, if the steps does not help you, then you have caught a new adware, and then the best way – ask for help.

Please create a new question by using the “Ask Question” button in the Questions and Answers. Try to give us some details about your problems, so we can try to help you more accurately. Wait for one of our trained “Security Team” or Site Administrator to provide you with knowledgeable assistance tailored to your problem with the GoSearch22 adware.