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Learn how to remove the Akamaihd browser hijacker from your Mac and prevent it from redirecting your browser to a.akamaihd.net.

What is a.akamaihd.net?

The a.akamaihd.net hijacker redirects your browser to a fake search engine. It can be difficult to revert back to your preferred search engine once infected.

How Did It Get Installed?

This hijacker often installs through deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers, or other third-party downloads.

Manual Removal Steps

1. Remove Suspicious Login Items

  • Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
  • Highlight your profile, unlock the lock icon if necessary, then click the Login Items tab.
  • Remove any suspicious applications by clicking the minus (-) sign.

2. Remove Malicious Profiles

  • Go to System Preferences > Profiles. (Skip this step if there is no "Profiles" option.)
  • Remove any unfamiliar profiles by clicking the minus (-) sign.

3. Stop Suspicious Processes

  • Open Activity Monitor.
  • Look for processes related to a.akamaihd.net.
  • Click the process and then click the X icon to stop it.

4. Remove Akamaihd from Applications

Note: Be careful when deleting files. If unsure, contact mac_support@trendmicro.com.

  • Go to Finder > Applications.
  • Double-click Uninstall a.akamaihd.net or a.akamaihd.net Uninstaller and follow the instructions.
  • Drag all a.akamaihd.net items to the Trash.
  • Empty the Trash.

5. Remove Akamaihd Extensions from Web Browsers

Safari

  • Open Safari and go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
  • Uninstall the a.akamaihd.net extension.

Chrome

  • Open Chrome and go to Chrome > Preferences > Extensions.
  • Remove the a.akamaihd.net extension.

Firefox

  • Open Firefox and go to Firefox > Preferences > Extensions & Themes.
  • Remove the a.akamaihd.net extension.

6. Remove Akamaihd Files and Folders

  • Open Finder.
  • Press COMMAND + SHIFT + . to show hidden files.
  • Go to Go > Go to Folder....
  • Type the following locations one at a time and click Go:
    • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
    • /Library/LaunchAgents
    • /Library/LaunchDaemons
  • Drag any a.akamaihd.net-related items to the Trash.

7. Fix Website Redirection Settings on Web Browsers

Safari

  • Open Safari and go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy.
  • Click Manage Website Data... and then Remove All.

Chrome

  • Open Chrome and go to Chrome > Preferences > Search engine.
  • Manage and remove unfamiliar search engines.

Firefox

  • Open Firefox and go to Firefox > Preferences > Search.
  • Select your preferred search engine.

8. Reset Your Browser

Resetting your browser can help remove any remaining traces of the hijacker. Remember to back up your bookmarks first.

Instant Removal with Antivirus One

Using Antivirus One can save time and ensure complete removal. Download Antivirus One on the App Store.

If you have Antivirus One installed, follow these steps:

  • Open Antivirus One.
  • Click Adware Cleaner and then Clean Now.
Keywords: a.akamaihd.net, akamaihd
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