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Remove Pulse Search from my Safari opening page

A few days ago, I noticed that a new browser opens automatically when I open Safari. I cannot figure out how to change it. It appears it is a hijacker browser. Please consult on how to resolve this issue. I am concerned it is stealing passwords.

MacBook, macOS 10.14

Posted on Dec 27, 2019 9:26 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Dec 28, 2019 3:38 AM

 1. Check for adware.


     Run the latest release of Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware/adware, if installed on your Mac.

     For instructions:  Install Malwarebytes for Mac          Uninstall Malwarebytes for Mac

     Click the “Scan Now” button. Once done, quit Malwarebytes for Mac.

     Restart the computer and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.


     Remove unknown profiles (1), unknown login items(@) unknown extensions(3), reset search engine (4)

     and reset Homepage (5 & 6)  listed under Additional steps.




2. Additional steps to take, if necessary.


  1. Remove unknown profiles.

      System Preferences > Profiles

      Open System Preferences, click the “Profiles” icon ( a checkmark on a gear) .

      When Profiles pane opens, select the unknown profile and click the minus button at the bottom.



  2. Remove unknown Login item.

       System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login items

       Authenticate and unlock the lock.

       Highlight the unknown login item and click the “-“ button at the bottom left to remove it.   


  3. Remove unknown extensions:  Safari > Preferences > Extensions

      https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac

  4. Reset search engine:    https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-your-search-ibrwe75c2a3c/mac


      Change Home Page


  5. Reset  Homepage.   https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/set-your-homepage-ibrw1020/mac  

      Section: Check other browser settings.


   6. Ref: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/236261-how-to-remove-weknow-malware-and-others/


   7. Shutdown the computer from  menu. Start your Mac using the Power button.

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Dec 28, 2019 3:38 AM in response to cmcr11

 1. Check for adware.


     Run the latest release of Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware/adware, if installed on your Mac.

     For instructions:  Install Malwarebytes for Mac          Uninstall Malwarebytes for Mac

     Click the “Scan Now” button. Once done, quit Malwarebytes for Mac.

     Restart the computer and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.


     Remove unknown profiles (1), unknown login items(@) unknown extensions(3), reset search engine (4)

     and reset Homepage (5 & 6)  listed under Additional steps.




2. Additional steps to take, if necessary.


  1. Remove unknown profiles.

      System Preferences > Profiles

      Open System Preferences, click the “Profiles” icon ( a checkmark on a gear) .

      When Profiles pane opens, select the unknown profile and click the minus button at the bottom.



  2. Remove unknown Login item.

       System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login items

       Authenticate and unlock the lock.

       Highlight the unknown login item and click the “-“ button at the bottom left to remove it.   


  3. Remove unknown extensions:  Safari > Preferences > Extensions

      https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac

  4. Reset search engine:    https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-your-search-ibrwe75c2a3c/mac


      Change Home Page


  5. Reset  Homepage.   https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/set-your-homepage-ibrw1020/mac  

      Section: Check other browser settings.


   6. Ref: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/236261-how-to-remove-weknow-malware-and-others/


   7. Shutdown the computer from  menu. Start your Mac using the Power button.

Remove Pulse Search from my Safari opening page

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