How to get rid of Search Marquis on Mac

Search Marquis: A Mac Malware Removal Guide

Search Marquis isn't a virus in the strictest sense, but it's a nasty piece of browser-hijacking malware that needs immediate removal to protect your privacy and system performance. This guide details how to eliminate Search Marquis from your Mac, both automatically and manually.

Understanding Search Marquis

This browser hijacker alters your browser settings, replacing your homepage with searchmarquis(.)com (avoid visiting this site) and redirecting searches through various intermediate URLs before landing on a Bing search page often filled with intrusive ads. Its goal is to profit from your online activity, potentially through hidden redirects and data collection.

Identifying Search Marquis Infection

The most obvious signs are:

• Your homepage is changed to searchmarquis(.)com.
• You're redirected to searchmarquis(.)com when visiting websites.
• Excessive ads, pop-ups, and browser slowdowns.

Automated Removal with CleanMyMac X

The quickest and most effective method is using CleanMyMac X. This comprehensive Mac optimization tool features the Moonlock Engine anti-malware technology to remove Search Marquis and other threats.

1. Download and launch CleanMyMac X.
2. Go to the "Malware Removal" section.
3. Run a scan.
4. Remove any detected Search Marquis files.

Consider also running a smart scan to remove system junk that might have accumulated alongside the malware. For ongoing system monitoring, iStat Menus can detect unusual resource usage that might indicate lingering malware.

Manual Removal (More Involved)

Manual removal is riskier, as it requires careful attention to detail. It's recommended to use CleanMyMac X first, then follow these steps if needed:

1. Delete Malicious Applications:

• Open Activity Monitor, identify suspicious processes (related to Search Marquis), and force quit them.
• Go to Finder > Applications, sort by date added, and remove any unknown or suspicious applications. Check the Utilities folder as well.

2. Remove Junk Files:

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to Go > Go to Folder.
3. Navigate to these folders, one by one, and delete any files containing "Search Marquis":
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons
   • /Library/Application Support
   • ~/Library/Application Support
4. Empty the Trash.

3. Remove Suspicious Login Items:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Login Items.
2. Remove any items containing "Search Marquis" or other suspicious entries.
3. Review "Allow in Background" and disable any untrusted processes.

4. Remove Browser Extensions:

• Safari: Safari > Preferences > Extensions. Remove suspicious extensions.
• Chrome: Window > Extensions. Remove suspicious extensions.
• Firefox: Tools > Add-ons and Themes > Extensions (or Shift Command A). Remove suspicious extensions.

5. Reset Browser Settings:

• Safari: Develop > Empty Caches; History > Clear History (select "Clear all history"); Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All.
• Chrome: Click the three dots > Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
• Firefox: Click the hamburger menu (☰) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox > Refresh Firefox.

Prevention and Conclusion

Search Marquis often arrives bundled with other software from untrusted sources. Be cautious when downloading software and avoid clicking suspicious ads or pop-ups. CleanMyMac X provides a comprehensive solution, but manual steps can supplement this for a thorough cleaning. Regular system monitoring with tools like iStat Menus can help detect future threats.

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