GuideService

Unscrupulous application creators have released another dubious application targeting Mac users. Named GuideService, its main purpose is to earn revenue for its operators by activating its adware and browser hijacker functions. Indeed, once fully established on the user's Mac device, this application will begin generating copious amounts of unwanted and annoying advertisements, while also modifying the behavior of the installed Web browsers.

Adware applications are typically responsible for delivering questionable pop-ups, banners, surveys, in-text links, and other advertising to the user's device. Apart from impacting the user experience in a drastic way, these advertisements also could lead to unsafe destinations or promote additional intrusive PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).

At the same time, users will notice that their browser's normal homepage, new tab page, and default search page, have all started opening a strange and unfamiliar address. The promoted address - GuideService Search, is classified as a fake search engine. It takes the user's search queries and, due to its inability to produce results on its own, redirects them through search.yahoo.com. Users should keep in mind that fake search engines also could redirect to dubious and untrustworthy engines with their exact behavior being based on a combination of factors, such as the device's IP address, geolocation and potentially more.