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SearchLee virus is a browser hijacker-type application that primarily targets Mac operating system users. Once installed, it infects browsers and makes them open SearchLee.com search engine. This search engine is hardly trustworthy, as it delivers suspicious results along with a dose of ads. It must be mentioned that this fake search tool is developed by a well-known browser hijacker producer responsible for apps such as SafeFinder. The only thing you need to know is that primary purpose of these apps is to display advertising and generate revenue rather than providing quality web search experience, so it is best to stay away from them.
The primary aim of browser hijackers like Searchlee.com is to promote a specific search engine, thus causing redirects to ad networks before landing the user on fake or customized search results page. While typical hijackers falling into Yahoo redirect or Bing redirect categories serve altered versions of popular search engine results, SearchLee tends to provide its own ones. It redirects user to its own search engine whenever the user opens the browser, new tab in it, or tries to search using browser’s URL bar.
As mentioned earlier, programs of such type tend to generate revenue from ad impressions, clicks and redirects to various third-party online websites. However, such redirects and ads might not always be the safest to interact with. in the worst scenario, you might end up on shady websites pushing various third-party applications that possibly fall into spyware category. That said, it is best to avoid installing apps from unconfirmed sources.
Please keep in mind that careless clicking on online ads can even throw you onto pages promoting fake surveys and ‘prizes,’ such as Amarktflow, Congratulations Dear Amazon User and similar.
Finally, keeping a spyware-type application in your computer increases the risk of revealing browsing history, installed apps, geolocation, search queries and even IP address for the hijacker’s developers. As a consequence, such data can be used to deliver you a flow of targeted ads daily.
If you wish to remove SearchLee redirect virus from your Mac, use instructions provided below or scan your computer with robust antivirus, such as INTEGO. It has an excellent detection rate (100%) for Mac threats.
Remove SearchLee browser hijacker using INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Mac (includes scanning for iOS devices). The one-of-a-kind security suite provides VirusBarrier X9 real-time protection against Mac and Windows-based malware, removes existing threats and scans for malware in popular e-mail clients. Includes NetBarrier X9, an intelligent firewall for home, work and public connections.
Name | SearchLee browser hijacker |
Type | Redirect virus, Browser hijacker, Mac virus |
Target OS | Mac |
Promoted search engine | Searchlee.com |
Damage | Changes browser’s homepage, new tab page, default search engine, keeps redirect user to it, might interfere with user’s attempts to change browser’s settings |
Distribution | Spreads in freeware bundles, deceptive pop-up ads online, fake software update installers, torrents |
Removal | Remove manually as shown below or use strong Mac antivirus, INTEGO. |
The vast majority of Mac OS X targeting threats are either adware or browser hijacker type programs. These applications (including SearchLee redirect virus) can be downloaded in free software bundles and presented as ‘recommended downloads’ that can be opted out, or introduced as part of the installation that can’t be configured manually. Typically, such extras are introduced in fine print or hidden under ‘advanced’ installation configuration options that many users oversee when they rush to install the program. Sadly, these ‘recommended’ extras are often adware-type programs or browser-affecting PUPs that cause unwanted redirects.
Another way to install unwanted and even more persistent threats is to click on deceptive online ads. Such fake ads typically suggest software updates that the user supposedly needs, while pushing additional software to the computer alongside it. Such technique is hardly legitimate and is mostly used to infect computers with more severe Mac threats.
Finally, we never recommend downloading illegal content, such as pirated software/movies from various websites in a form of torrent. If you want to ensure that your computer stays clean, only trust programs from the App Store or official software developer’s website.
If you would like to remove Searchlee.com redirect virus from Mac, you should follow the manual removal guidelines provided below. However, if you would like to eliminate it automatically and secure your computer with real-time protection, we strongly recommend using INTEGO.
If you decide to opt for manual SearchLee browser hijacker removal, use the guidelines provided below.
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Keep your Mac virus-free with INTEGO, an exceptional antivirus with an option to scan other iOS devices. The VirusBarrier X9 offers 24/7 real-time protection against Mac and Windows malware, includes intelligent firewall (NetBarrier X9) for protecting your incoming/outgoing connections at home, work or public hotspots and more.
INTEGO antivirus is one of the leading security products for Mac that includes VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9 features allowing detection of viruses, ransomware, adware, browser hijackers, Trojans, backdoors and other threats and blocks suspicious network connections. If any detections are found, the software will eliminate them. Learn more about the software's features in its full review.
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SearchLee.com browser hijacker Removal Tutorial
Use the following guidelines to get rid of SearchLee.com browser hijacker on Mac. You will need to eliminate suspicious components from several system folders, move unwanted applications to Trash, delete shady profiles and login items created by the potentially unwanted program. Once you complete these steps, follow the instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Eliminate components of unwanted program from Mac system folders
Move unwanted applications to Trash
Remove unwanted startup applications on Mac
Delete malicious configuration profiles
Remove SearchLee.com browser hijacker from Safari
Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions
Change Safari Homepage and default search engine
Remove push notifications on Safari
Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide:
Reset Safari
Remove SearchLee.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome
Remove suspicious Chrome extensions
Change Start Page settings
Change default search settings
Remove push notifications from Chrome
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps:
Reset Google Chrome browser
Remove SearchLee.com browser hijacker from Mozilla Firefox
Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox
Change Firefox Homepage
Alter preferences in Firefox
Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox
Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla's settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps:
Reset Mozilla Firefox
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Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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