Null Virus (Mac)

What is Null?

Null [specifically, "(null)[random_characters)"] is the faulty URL of the homesweeklies.com fake search engine. The site supposedly enhances the browsing experience by allowing users to search and enjoy improved results.

Initially, this functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, the website does not work - it simply displays an error page, rather than any search engine. Developers promote the site using deceptive software installers designed to hijack browsers and modify options without users' consent.

Rogue installers typically target the most popular browsers, such as Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. They assign the default search engine, new tab URL, and homepage options to a specific website URL.

Due to errors, however, some variants of these installers (that promote homesweeklies.com) assign the options to "(null)[random_characters]" [e.g., "(null)08559660/777D8C40-DE72-571D-A317-45D83E9D5EF7"]. This "URL" is void and users simply encounter a browser error. Furthermore, they are unable to revert these changes.

Depending on the browser, set-ups either lock the settings (preventing users from making any changes) or install "helper objects" (third party applications/browser plug-ins). "Helper objects" essentially reassign browser options when attempts are made to change them. Therefore, returning browsers to their previous states becomes impossible.

"Helper objects" might also gather information relating to browsing activity such as IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc. The information often includes personal data that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.

Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. If your browser settings are assigned to the aforementioned Null URL, immediately scan the system with a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite (e.g., Combo Cleaner), remove all detected threats, and then revert the browser to its previous state.

Threat Summary:

Name	Null browser hijacker
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms	Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

There are hundreds of fake search engines promoted via rogue download/installation setups. The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) search.hogwarin.com, search.porterice.com, mysearchency.com, hmining.mobi, and spyder-finder.com. These sites are presented as legitimate and useful, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.

Most cause unwanted redirects and gather information. Some even feed users with misleading results and intrusive advertisements that lead to dubious websites. Thus, using fake search engines can lead to various system infections.

How did Null install on my computer?

As mentioned above, Null is promoted using rogue download/installation set-ups. This marketing method is called "bundling". Developers know that many users rush download/installation processes and skip steps.

Therefore, they hide all information regarding modification of browser settings within "Custom/Advanced" options (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. By rushing and skipping steps, many users inadvertently grant set-ups permission to perform changes, thereby exposing their systems to risk of infections and compromising their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Potentially unwanted applications are distributed using the "bundling" method and intrusive advertisements (which redirect to malicious sites or execute scripts that download and install rogue apps). Therefore, be very cautious when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software.

Select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. Download apps from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers should be avoided.

Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to dubious websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, survey, and so on). Most are displayed by adware-type apps. Therefore, if you encounter suspicious ads or redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Deceptive application installer promoting Null browser hijacker:

Locked Safari browser settings:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is Null?
• STEP 1. Remove Null related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove Null redirect from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove Null browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove Null homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove Null browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:

Null redirect removal:

Remove Null-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove browser hijacker-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the browser hijackers, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove browser hijackers from Internet browsers

Remove Safari browser hijackers:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

Change your homepage:

In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the "Set to Current Page" button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.

Change your default search engine:

In the "Preferences" window, select the "Search" tab. Here you will find a drop-down menu labeled "Search engine:" Simply select your preferred search engine from the drop-down list.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove Google Chrome browser hijackers:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present, click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".

Change your default search engine:

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for a browser hijacker URL, when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove the browser hijacker URL and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".

In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the button.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

▼ Show Discussion