SharedProjector is a potentially unwanted program that can inject advertisements into the websites you visit and redirect your browser search queries. If you have noticed these intrusive ads and redirects, it is important to take action to remove SharedProjector from your Mac. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of uninstalling SharedProjector and restoring your browser settings to their default state.

 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to SharedProjector
2. Methods of SharedProjector Installation
3. Symptoms of SharedProjector Infection
4. Step-by-Step Removal Instructions
   • Step 1: Remove Malicious Profiles
   • Step 2: Delete Malicious Apps
   • Step 3: Reset Browsers to Default Settings
   • Step 4: Scan with SpyHunter for Mac
5. Tips to Stay Safe Online
6. Conclusion

Introduction to SharedProjector

SharedProjector is a malicious program categorized as potentially unwanted adware. It infiltrates your system and takes control of your browser’s homepage and search engine, displaying unwanted advertisements that are not related to the websites you visit. SharedProjector achieves this by installing a browser extension or program on your Mac.

Once installed, SharedProjector redirects your browser search queries through its own search engine, which in turn redirects to search result pages from Yahoo Search. This redirection is most likely done to generate advertising revenue by using Yahoo Search for its search results. Additionally, SharedProjector opens new browser tabs that display advertisements promoting various software, fake software updates, and tech support scams.

Methods of SharedProjector Installation

SharedProjector is typically installed by users, either knowingly or unknowingly. It is often offered through advertisements or bundled with other software, leaving users unaware of its presence on their systems. Some free downloads do not adequately disclose that SharedProjector will be installed alongside the desired software, leading to unintentional installation.

One common method of SharedProjector installation is through malicious ads that distribute the adware. These ads may trick users into clicking on them, resulting in the automatic download and installation of SharedProjector without their knowledge.

Symptoms of SharedProjector Infection

If your computer is infected with SharedProjector, you may notice the following common symptoms:

1. Your web browser’s default search engine is changed to SharedProjector Search.
2. Your browser’s search queries are redirected through SharedProjector Search.
3. The presence of the “SharedProjector” browser extension or program on your Mac.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to remove SharedProjector from your Mac to restore your browser’s default settings and protect your system from further adware infections.

Step-by-Step Removal Instructions

To remove SharedProjector from your Mac, follow these step-by-step instructions. We recommend performing each step in the correct order to ensure a thorough removal process.

Step 1: Remove Malicious Profiles

1. Open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu.
2. Search for the “Profiles” icon in the System Preferences window.
3. If no Profiles icon is found, proceed to the next step. If a Profiles icon is present, click on it.
4. Select any suspicious profile you want to remove and click the “-” (minus) button to remove it.

By removing malicious profiles, you can regain control over your browser settings and prevent unwanted programs from controlling your Mac.

Step 2: Delete Malicious Apps

1. Quit any malicious programs running on your Mac.
2. Open the Finder application from your dock.
3. Click on “Applications” in the Finder left pane.
4. Locate and remove the malicious app by right-clicking it and selecting “Move to Trash.”
5. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the malicious app from your system.
6. Search for and remove any suspicious files in the following directories:
   • /Library/LaunchAgents
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/Application Support
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons

By deleting malicious apps and associated files, you can eliminate the source of the SharedProjector adware.

Step 3: Reset Browsers to Default Settings

To restore your browsers to their default settings and remove any modifications made by SharedProjector, follow these instructions for each browser you have installed on your Mac:

Safari Browser

1. Go to Safari’s “Preferences” from the Safari menu.
2. Check and modify your browser’s homepage to your desired web page in the “General” tab.
3. Click on the “Extensions” tab and uninstall any suspicious extensions.
4. Disable push notifications from unwanted sources in the “Websites” section of Safari’s preferences.
5. Remove all stored website data by clicking on “Manage Website Data” in the “Privacy” tab and selecting “Remove All.”
6. Empty Safari’s caches by going to Safari’s preferences, selecting the “Advanced” tab, and clicking on “Empty Caches.”

Chrome for Mac Browser

1. Open Chrome’s main menu by clicking on the three dots at the top right and go to “Settings.”
2. Click on “Reset and clean up” in the left sidebar.
3. Select “Reset settings to their original defaults” and confirm the reset.
4. (Optional) Reset Chrome Data Sync by navigating to chrome.google.com/sync and clicking on “Clear Data.”

Firefox for Mac Browser

1. Go to Firefox’s main menu by clicking on the three horizontal lines and select “Help.”
2. Click on “Troubleshooting Information” and then on “Refresh Firefox.”
3. Confirm the refresh and wait for Firefox to reset to its default settings.

By resetting your browsers, you can remove any unwanted extensions, restore default search engines, and eliminate the modifications made by SharedProjector.

Step 4: Scan with SpyHunter for Mac

By scanning your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac, you can detect and remove any remaining traces of SharedProjector adware.

Tips to Stay Safe Online

To avoid future adware infections and protect your Mac, follow these essential security tips:

1. Use a reliable antivirus program and keep it up-to-date to protect against the latest threats.
2. Regularly update your software and operating system to apply security patches and fixes.
3. Be cautious when installing programs and apps, and carefully read license agreements to avoid unwanted installations.
4. Install an ad blocker to prevent malicious ads and unwanted content from appearing.
5. Exercise caution when downloading files from unknown sources and verify their authenticity.
6. Stay vigilant against phishing attempts and suspicious messages, even from familiar sources.
7. Back up your data regularly to protect against data loss and ransomware attacks.
8. Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
9. Be mindful of where you click and avoid suspicious links and attachments.
10. Avoid using pirated software or engaging in illegal file-sharing activities.

By following these tips, you can enhance your online security and minimize the risk of adware infections like SharedProjector.

Conclusion

SharedProjector is a potentially unwanted adware program that can inject unwanted advertisements into your browsing experience. By following the step-by-step instructions in this comprehensive guide, you can remove SharedProjector from your Mac and restore your browser settings to their default state. Additionally, implementing the provided tips to stay safe online will help protect your system from future adware infections. Stay proactive in maintaining your Mac’s security, and enjoy a hassle-free browsing experience.