Virus - Search-Alpha/ Search - Marquis...

I can't seem to get rid of this virus of my MacBook, I need help & this virus makes me so mad & it is so annoying, if any tips, please help...

Posted on Apr 17, 2023 6:12 PM

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Posted on Apr 19, 2023 3:32 PM

Chatsma_S, please follow the instructions below.


Although I can work with what you posted, please be advised there is a possibility one or more files may have been overlooked because the file names in your screenshots have been truncated. Since it seems that detail often tends to be missed, I updated that document to draw more attention to it.


Specifically,


  • Make sure all that folder's file names are readable by selecting View > as List or other selection that shows that folder's complete contents, including complete file names.


and


  • Once again ensure all its files and their names are readable and capture a screenshot.


and


  • When posting your message, please review and confirm the screenshots you post reveal complete, readable file names. If they do not, then please review the above instructions.



First, ensure you have a reliable backup of your Mac, in case something should go wrong with continued troubleshooting. To learn how to do that, please read Back up your Mac with Time Machine.


  • A backup is a fundamental prerequisite regardless of whatever method you may choose uninstall adware, and would apply even if your Mac were running perfectly well. Do not overlook this fundamental requirement. It's important.


Next: This step will prevent the scam products from loading so that they can be removed while they are inactive. Restart in "Safe Mode", and log in: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac. Starting in Safe Mode takes longer than usual so let it finish. The rogue processes affecting that Mac are inoperative in "Safe Mode".


The following files and / or folders need to be deleted while using your Mac in "Safe Mode":


Third screenshot:



Nothing needs to be deleted from the folders in the other two screenshots.


Drag those selections of files to the Trash. You may be asked to authenticate. Confirm they are no longer present in that folder. Leave all the others alone for now.


Next: open Safari and select the Safari menu > Preferences... > Extensions. If you see any Safari Extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone. No Safari Extensions are required for normal operation. Then, select the General pane and review your Homepage selection. Repeat those equivalent actions for any other browser you may use (Brave, Firefox, or Opera for example).


There may also be adware-associated app icons in your Mac's Applications folder. Open it and examine its contents. Any unwanted or mysterious app icons should be obvious to you, but again please don't remove anything if you are uncertain—ask first. Identify any suspicious apps by name, or post another screenshot.


Next: In an abundance of caution, examine System Preferences > Extensions. Determine if there are any System Extensions that may have been installed without your knowledge. Ask if you're uncertain.


Remaining in System Preferences, check for the presence of any Profiles. Profiles are installed by organizations with a need to manage Macs deployed in institutional corporate or educational environments (for example), but have also been exploited by adware creators and similar malcontents. If any Profiles are installed on your Mac an icon like this will appear in System Preferences:



If you see that icon in System Preferences, select it. To remove a Profile, select it, then click the [—] (minus) button and authenticate.


Remaining in System Preferences, open Users & Groups. Select your User Account's Login Items. You may or may not find those Applications in its list. If you do, select them then click the [—] (minus) button to remove them from Login Items.


You can then restart your Mac and log in as usual. Evaluate its operation and ensure everything is working as you expect it should.


Next: if you want to eradicate all remaining adware remnants post a screenshot of the following folder, in the same manner as you did earlier:


~/Library/Application Support


It is normal for that folder to contain many items, but anything associated with the above adware may contain identical names. If you find a folder or folders bearing those names, drag those folders to the Trash. Without the files you already removed or the reintroduction of similar malware, they can do nothing but occupy space. These can be removed if you wish, but again don't remove anything if you are uncertain.


Finally: If any of the above actions result in abnormal operation or if something else stops working, the easiest way to recover would be to restore the Time Machine backup you created as a prerequisite, so the importance of that fundamental step cannot be overemphasized.

40 replies

Apr 20, 2023 3:32 PM in response to John Galt

Chatsma_S, based on a recent similar report I would like to amend my earlier instructions to include one more file that should be removed.


All affected files are shown below:



If your problems are gone there is no compelling need to remove that additional file, but I have reason to believe it is associated with the others, and should be removed. As before you will need to restart your Mac in "Safe Mode" to be able to do that, and confirm none of the others spontaneously reappeared.

Apr 22, 2023 1:06 PM in response to John Galt

I have tried to remove some suspicious files running as processes taking up resources on Activity Monitor as well the above mentioned folders. Then I booted in safemode and reinstalled Ventura OS 13.3.1 (I have an M1 macbook). I noticed that I have an issue with running a front end application on localhost from my Chrome browser. The app sets a "Zone" parameter that should send an (OPTIONS) and then a GET request to the backend. It's unable to send the GET request and my "Zone" is set to "eu-localhosT" and the backend is reading my requests like I am in Europe. But I am in fact in Canada. My timezones on my browser and on my mac are all correct. The correct "Zone" value expected should be "Global". So then I went to install Firefox, and launching the browser, I get the search-alpha MARQUIS search bar website. Therefore I have the Marquis. About a month ago, I had the MARQUIS search bar website on my Chrome browser, but I did what I described above (deletion/safeboot reinstalled os) and I thought I cleared it out because Chrome has been (seemingly) working fine. But I cannot develop on localhost now and this is a pressing problem. Here is my /Library/Application Support folder. Please let me know what else I can do here to help try to find the problem. Thank you.

Jul 30, 2023 2:55 PM in response to John Galt

I am having major issue with the Search-Alpha as well. I’ve spent hours and have deleted 4 of the .plists that you have mentioned in previous screenshots, but still haven’t gotten to the bottom of it. I have no extensions or profiles and have cleared browsing history. I have noticed however, this process I’m activity monitor: ComicBookLover that I have not downloaded and can’t seem to delete it. Also have some questionable Application Support files. Here’s the 3 screenshots to start after having deleted 4 of the others already. Thank you for any help you can give! My Mac is useless currently with the alpha-search taking over.



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