HistoryCollector

HistoryCollector is classified as a browser hijacker application that targets Mac users. It acts as a typical representative of its type by relying on deceptive marketing strategies to sneak its way onto the user's device and then take control over certain browser settings.

In most cases, browser hijackers affect the homepage, new tab page, and the default search engine. The goal is to set all three settings to open a promoted Web address, most likely a fake search engine. Whenever the user then tries to open the browser, starts a new tab, or initiates a search, it would result in artificial traffic being generated towards the promoted address.

It is not recommended to perform searchers through fake engines. They lack the ability to produce results on their own and always redirect to a legitimate search engine, either directly or by going through a redirect chain that involves several other fake engines first. The problem arises when you consider the fact that third-party advertisements could be injected into the list of displayed results. The sponsored advertisements may not even match the search criteria.

Another huge red flag that is associated with having adware, browser hijackers, or other PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) installed on your device is that most of them can perform data harvesting. The applications will attempt to access data such as the user's browsing and search histories, IP address, geolocation, and more, and then send it to their creators.

Recently, Apple users have been reporting to have encountered a warning with a message similar to '[application name] will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.' The prompt could be a cause for severe frustration as it could prevent the user from opening pages in their browser. HistoryCollector might be among the applications that trigger this security response from the macOS. To deal with the prompt, users will have to first remove the browser hijacker application. Manual removal may prove to be difficult as most PUPs disperse their files in several different locations or create LaunchAgents that act as a persistence mechanism.