I have picked up malware or a virus that is impacting Safari. Specifically it is a webhp? redirect that occurs when conducting a google search. How dangerous is this, and what actions should I take to remove the malware and restore my system? Thank you in advance for your recommendations.
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)
Those instructions will NOT work for OSX.
ClamXAV, free Virus scanner...
Free Sophos...
http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition/features.aspx
s2tpa wrote:
I have picked up malware or a virus that is impacting Safari. Specifically it is a webhp? redirect that occurs when conducting a google search.
There are two or three malware Trojans / Backdoors that are capable of doing Safari redirects, but webhp has not been one of them. A fully up-to-date OS X 10.7.4 protects you against all of them.
Please describe exactly what you are observing that leads you to believe you are infected.
I have run a thorough scan via both Sophos and ClamXAV (thank you BDAqua) and neither program detected a virus, however, when I open Safari and choose a Google search, the following url appears in the window:
http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=nw.
Additionally, in google news, this url appears: http://news.google.com/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn&pog=false
Safari seems to be up-to-date. Version 6.0 (7536.25)
While these urls do not seem to be automatically redirecting my search, I am concerned that this is either a sign of malware, spyware or some sort of trojan and my data and personal info may be in jeopardy. I am a relatively (Dec. 2011) new Mac user, but had this same issue on my PC before. I apologize, if this is normal, and I am overreacting, or if I'm not adequately describing the issue.
Would installing the latest OS update help?
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions.
s2tpa wrote:
when I open Safari and choose a Google search, the following url appears in the window:
Same here.Additionally, in google news, this url appears:
OK, I don't get the pog=false part, but the rest is the same. Perhaps you have opted out of playing online games? Just a stab in the dark.
Safari seems to be up-to-date. Version 6.0 (7536.25)
I'm forced to stick with 5.0.6 (5533.22.3) so it evidently has nothing to do with that. Have you tried a different Browser.
I can't say I've paid close enough attention, but it clearly appears that Google has done some tweeking to their site, which is an almost everyday occurrance. Just more noticable than usual.
I see no evidence in anything you have said that malware is involved. If you ever end up at a site that doesn't end in "google.com" then come back, otherwise I know of no way to fake a domain name.
Are you running Windows or OSX?
Haven't heard of it on OSX yet!?
OS X 10.7.4 I found the same ehow article. Will these instructions work on a OSX? Is there an antivirus or malware app for Mac that I should install?
Clear the Caches in Safari, or Reset Safari, seems like some saved/past search on your Mac auto guessing.
Webhp? malware redirect in safari on my Mac. Any suggestions for removal?
