Idea Reference Mac

Idea Reference

Idea Reference is a browser hijacker that redirects Mac users to specific web sites and makes changes to their default web browser. Idea Reference may change the search engine, replace the homepage address and install some additional components that users may not have approved.

Idea Reference

Idea Reference App on Mac

In general, programs ( Search Marquis, Typical Fraction, Basic Desktop) that operate like browser hijackers are not related to any malicious activities. They don’t have the harmful abilities of viruses, ransomware, Trojans and other malware, yet users are usually advised not to keep apps of this type on their computer as their actions can often expose them to online dangers.

Idea Reference for Mac

Idea Reference for Mac is a good example of a program that may be more irritating than it is helpful and may cause significant browsing disturbance instead of enhancing your web experience. Idea Reference for Mac is promoted as a useful add-on for Safari, Firefox, Chrome and other commonly used web browsers.

However, when installed in the system, the browser hijacker usually makes changes that users may not approve of. For example, Idea Reference may replace the homepage address with a different one, add a new search engine, install some new toolbars and page redirect buttons that clutter the browser’s interface and reroute users to pre-defined web locations. Furthermore, the program may display different aggressive commercial messages on the browser’s screen. These messages may appear in the form of pop-ups, banners, box notifications and promotional text links right on top of the page that you are visiting and may not want to go away until you click on them.

The Idea Reference virus

The Idea Reference virus is a browser hijacking piece of software that many people mistake for a virus. The upset users report that the Idea Reference virus takes over their main Mac browser without seeking permission and starts spamming their monitor with various pop-ups, pay-per-click ads, banners, promotional messages, and automatic page redirects.

If you are familiar with the aforementioned activities and they disturb you, then you should read this article till the end and learn how to remove this browser hijacker from your Mac. But before we move on to that part, we do think it important to tell you that having a program like Idea Reference in your system is not a particularly serious issue. The presence of such software may, of course, be very irritating and may cause quite unpleasant effects. There is, however, the potential of an accidental encounter with malicious web ads (malvertisements) that could come as a consequence of Idea Reference’s activities on your machine. More often than not, such ads are used to distribute real computer threats such as the notorious ransomware, Trojan horse viruses and other malicious software. That’s why, in general, it is never a good idea to click on random ads or links that pop-up on your screen and redirect you to unknown web locations.

The IdeaReference app

The IdeaReference app is a browser hijacker that can make unwanted changes to the settings of popular Mac browsers. The IdeaReference app can tinker with the default homepage, replace the main search engine with a different one or install some additional components that redirect users to different ad-supported sites.

The best way to stop the browser hijacker from messing with your browser’s configurations and appearance is to uninstall it completely. This can be done with the help of a professional removal tool or a manual removal guide. We have covered both of these methods further down where you will find a comprehensive step-by-step removal guide and a scanner, which you can use to detect and uninstall Idea Reference without losing time.

SUMMARY:

Name Idea Reference
Type Browser Hijacker
Detection Tool

Remove Idea Reference from Mac

You are dealing with a malware infection that can restore itself unless you remove its core files. We are sending you to another page with a removal guide that gets regularly updated. It covers in-depth instructions on how to:
1. Locate and scan malicious processes in your task manager.
2. Identify in your Control panel any programs installed with the malware, and how to remove them. Search Marquis is a high-profile hijacker that gets installed with a lot of malware.
3. How to clean up and reset your browser to its original settings without the malware returning.
You can find the removal guide here.
For mobile devices refer to these guides instead: Android, iPhone.


About the author

Lidia Howler

Lidia is a web content creator with years of experience in the cyber-security sector. She helps readers with articles on malware removal and online security. Her strive for simplicity and well-researched information provides users with easy-to-follow It-related tips and step-by-step tutorials.

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