Dock2Master
Dock2Master is a page-redirecting tool for Mac browsers that can potentially expose your computer to unsafe content through its site-promoting activities. Dock2Master is mainly distributed via file bundles though it could also get in your computer via spam letters and misleading ads.
This app is an example of a browser hijacker – a category of computer software that occupies the gray area between viruses/malware and legitimate and useful programs. Most browser hijackers like Search-alpha, Ixisivomer are not damaging apps as they aren’t programmed to do anything harmful to the computers where they get installed. However, similarly to some forms of malware, a lot of browser hijackers tend to make changes in the computer’s software, namely, in its browser. They alter the search engine and add a new homepage that replaces the old one. They can do this on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other browsers, so it doesn’t really matter what your preferred browser is.
Dock2Master for Mac
Dock2Master for Mac is a hijacker app for Mac browsers that takes over the homepage and/or the search engine of the targeted browser. Dock2Master for Mac then changes them without user permission and begins to from them ads and page redirects.
Once this hijacker gets installed on your Mac, your browser/s search engine would likely get replaced and begin to constantly try to promote certain sites you aren’t interested in. Also, the new homepage address added to your Safari by the hijacker will likely keep showering your screen with obnoxious and obstructive advertisements that attempt to sell you different items or programs or to get you to subscribe to some unknown and questionable online services. This advertising technique is very common nowadays and browser hijackers such as Dock2Master are the type of apps that are known for using it the most.
What is Dock2Master?
Dock2Master is an unwanted add-on app for macOS browsers that tampers with the settings of the browser and causes it to open unknown sites. Dock2Master could potentially get the user redirected to unsafe pages so its best to uninstall this app before it’s too late.
The problem here isn’t that this hijacker would harm your Mac – this happening is highly unlikely. The real issue is that the sites promoted by this kind of software are oftentimes not what one would call safe and reliable. Many hackers and online crooks who seek to quickly and easily reach more potential victims employ the services of hijackers such as this one in order to get their malicious content promoted. Therefore, having a hijacker on your Mac could potentially mean getting your machine infected with Trojan horses, viruses, Spyware, and Ransomware.
The Dock2Master app
The Dock2Master app is an unreliable browser attachment for a number of macOS browsers that generates questionable ads and causes page redirects. The Dock2Master app must be removed because, otherwise, it may potentially lead to malware infections with threats such as Spyware, Trojans, or Ransomware.
Here, we can offer you a quick and effective solution to the predicament you are in right now. The removal guide for Dock2Master that we have prepared contains all the needed removal instructions that will allow you to quickly dispose of the unwanted browser hijacker app.
SUMMARY:
Name | Dock2Master |
Type | Adware |
Danger Level | Medium (nowhere near threats like Ransomware, but still a security risk) |
Symptoms | If this app gets installed on your computer, you will likely notice unwanted changes in the browser as well as aggressive online ads while you are online. |
Distribution Method | The method that is primarily used to get these apps installed on more computers is the so-called file/program bundling. |
Detection Tool |
Remove Dock2Master Mac Virus
For a quick way to remove Dock2Master try to do this inside your Mac browser:
- Open your Mac browser.
- Go to Preferences.
- Now navigate to the extensions sub-menu.
- Look for any unfamiliar entries, including Dock2Master.
- Remove Dock2Master from your Mac as well as any other suspicious-looking items by clicking on the trash bin icon.
If this does not help then continue reading this article for more detailed instructions on how to get rid of Dock2Master!
The first thing you need to do is to Quit Safari (if it is opened). If you have trouble closing it normally, you may need to Force Quit Safari:
You can choose the Apple menu and click on Force Quit.
Alternatively, you can simultaneously press ⌘ (the Command key situated next to the space bar), Option (the key right next to it) and Escape (the key located at the upper left corner of your keyboard).
If you have done it right a dialog box titled Force Quit Applications will open up.
In this new dialog window select Safari, then press the Force Quit button, then confirm with Force Quit again.
Close the dialog box/window.
WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Start Activity Monitor by opening up Finder, then proceed to
Once there, look at all the processes: if you believe any of them are hijacking your results, or are part of the problem, highlight the process with your mouse, then click the “i” button at the top. This will open up the following box:
Now click on Sample at the bottom:
Do this for all processes you believe are part of the threat, and run any suspicious files in our online virus scanner, then delete the malicious files:
The next step is to safely launch Safari again. Press and hold the Shift key while relaunching Safari. This will prevent Safari’s previously opened pages from loading again. Once Safari is opened up, you can release the Shift key.
On the off chance that you are still having trouble with scripts interrupting the closing of unwanted pages in Safari, you may need to take some additional measures.
First, Force Quit Safari again.
Now if you are using a Wi-Fi connection turn it off by selecting Wi-Fi off in you Mac’s Menu. If you are using a cable internet (Ethernet connection), disconnect the Ethernet cable.
Re-Launch Safari but don’t forget to press and hold the Shift button while doing it, so no previous pages can be opened up. Now, Click on Preferences in the Safari menu,
and then again on the Extensions tab,
Select and Uninstall any extensions that you don’t recognize by clicking on the Uninstall button. If you are not sure and don’t want to take any risks you can safely uninstall all extensions, none are required for normal system operation.
The threat has likely infected all of your browsers. The instructions below need to be applied for all browsers you are using.
Again select Preferences in the Safari Menu, but this time click on the Privacy tab,
Now click on Remove All Website Data, confirm with Remove Now. Keep in mind that after you do this all stored website data will be deleted. You will need to sign-in again for all websites that require any form of authentication.
Still in the Preferences menu, hit the General tab
Check if your Homepage is the one you have selected, if not change it to whatever you prefer.
Select the History menu this time, and click on Clear History. This way you will prevent accidentally opening a problematic web page again.
How to Remove Dock2Master From Firefox in OSX:
Open Firefox, click on (top right) ——-> Add-ons. Hit Extensions next.
The problem should be lurking somewhere around here – Remove it. Then Refresh Your Firefox Settings.
How to Remove Dock2Master From Chrome in OSX:
Start Chrome, click —–>More Tools —–> Extensions. There, find the malware and select .
Click again, and proceed to Settings —> Search, the fourth tab, select Manage Search Engines. Delete everything but the search engines you normally use. After that Reset Your Chrome Settings.
If the guide doesn’t help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!
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