TapuFind is an adware that automatically delivers ads once the computer startsAdware also has the features of a browser hijackerQuick Threat SummaryPUP travels as a fake Flash Player Update on P2P networks for gamersFull TapuFind uninstall guideStep 1. Stop adware processes in the Activity MonitorStep 2. Clean LaunchAgents from adware-related componentsStep 3. Delete folders with adware elements from Application Support directoryStep 4. Get rid of PUP’s components resisting removal in LaunchDaemons pathStep 5. Uninstall TapuFind from the Applications

People report that this PUP enters the system as a fake Adobe Flash Player update downloaded in various forms. When it is downloaded and installed, the user can notice annoying pop-ups once the computer is started. The worst part is that the ad window does not have close, minimize, or expand buttons. Thus, the user is unable to get rid of the pop-ups. Posts in TapuFind Reddit forum indicate that there are numerous different ads with interchangeable content. For example, the window can show “prove you are not a robot” ad where you have to enter a sequence of displayed letters and numbers. Even though it seems harmless, the OK button on the ad can be embedded with a code to automatically like questionable Facebook pages once clicked. This way, the developers of this adware can generate fake traffic to various pages at the expense of regular computer users and gain monetary benefits. Note that you will not be able to close and get rid of the pop-ups unless you try to uninstall “TapuFind”. We understand that the elimination process is not familiar to less experienced computer users. Therefore, we highly encourage to follow removal guidelines at the end of this article.

Adware also has the features of a browser hijacker

Even though TapuFind virus is technically not the right term to describe this threat, it definitely may seem as a malicious program as it has the features of both, adware and a browser hijacker. It not only displays ads once you start your computer, but also when you start browsing the Internet. A term browser hijacker originates from the features of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) to take over the used browser and change its default parameters. This PUP sets Search.tapufind.com or tab.tapufind.com as the main search engine and forces users to perform queries only on these pages. However, experts note that some versions of this browser hijacker might redirect users to pages that seem identical to most widely used search engine, such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo. Regular computer users would not be able to tell the difference. The only way to identify the hijack is that it says “type to search on TapuFind” in the URL bar on the top of the window once you open your browser or a new tab. Apart from that, many computer users can be fooled to use this fraudulent search engine as a legitimate one. Unfortunately, the consequences of keeping this browser hijacker on your computer might not only harm your computer but your privacy as well. Keep in mind that every word typed on this fake search engine can be recorded and shared with third-parties. Furthermore, TapuFind delivers an extensive amount of various ads when you browse the Internet. It can lead you to questionable sites with scam offers or even help sneak a malicious program into your system. Those keep the browser hijacker report a significant slow down in the computer’s performance and system crashes in the long-run. Therefore, it is essential to get rid of this potentially unwanted program as soon as possible. Note that if TapuFind won’t uninstall, you can get help from the step-by-step removal guide. Find it at the end of this article.

Quick Threat Summary

PUP travels as a fake Flash Player Update on P2P networks for gamers

It is no secret that potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), like the so-called TapuFind virus, spread via peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. However, this adware is spotted disguising as a cracked game, such as The Sims 4 or similar. Once the game is downloaded, it launches the installation of a fake Adobe Flash Player update to keep its disguise. After the installation is finished, users are immediately served with a pop-up on their screen that cannot be closed. Unfortunately, the game users aim to download is never installed and the adware takes over the system. Therefore, it is essential to stay away from any unauthorized sites offering cracked software. Nine out of ten times you will download a potentially unwanted program either alone or bundled with other applications on P2P networks. Also, keep in mind that these illegal websites can host even more dangerous programs, such as Trojan horses, ransomware and other types of malware. Thus, keep your system safe and never use them. Instead, download applications only from official websites. Additionally, our experts highlight one preventative measure that is exceptionally effective in system protection from PUPs and more dangerous cyber threats — robust antivirus software with real-time protection feature. INTEGO delivers both. This feature protects computer users from making mistakes in real time. It means that if you attempt to download a malware that disguises as a legitimate software, the antivirus will warn you right away. This way you can avoid potential threats while using your computer.

Full TapuFind uninstall guide

People report that this adware is exceptionally persistent and they struggle uninstalling it. If you want to get rid of the PUP fully, you must identify TapuFind core files and delete them. Note that usually, you can’t simply find them in Applications as they are well hidden inside the system. Our team discovered that most of the main components of the adware are located in /users/shared/ directory with folder names of random number strings. For example, app_123456789. Beware, that there might be one or many folders containing the elements of the browser hijacker. If you want to get rid of the adware for good, you must remove the “macappextensions” application that is located in the folders along other components. Otherwise, the pop-up ads will continue to appear while you browse or start the computer. If you are an inexperienced computer user, Geek’s Advice team is more than happy to walk you through the essential steps of TapuFind removal. Below you will find a detailed elimination guide. Please, follow all steps to successfully eliminate this adware. After you complete the steps below, continue with the guidelines to clean your browser from the hijack. These instructions are compatible with the most popular browsers, such as Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and others. Also, if you want to skip the manual removal guidelines, you can uninstall TapuFind by running a full system scan with a robust antivirus. We recommend using INTEGO as it offers real-time protection that can help in the future as well.

Step 1. Stop adware processes in the Activity Monitor

TIP. Keep in mind that the processes in the Activity Monitor might not be necessarily named after TapuFind name. Thus, search for the ones that use suspiciously excessive amounts of CPU power which cannot be justified.

Note. When you perform step 4, it is very important to not forget “~” tilde character. It opens the launch agents in the current user’s home directory where PUP’s components can hide.

Step 3. Delete folders with adware elements from Application Support directory

TIP. Since TapuFind virus components might try to imitate legitimate software, folder names can look completely unrelated to the PUP. Thus, sort them by recently added while considering their legitimacy.

Step 4. Get rid of PUP’s components resisting removal in LaunchDaemons path

Since people report that TapuFind won’t uninstall, it might be because some of its elements are still residing in LaunchDaemons path. Navigate to Go > Go to Folder and type “/Library/LaunchDaemons/”. Look for suspicious files and throw them to the trash bin.

Step 5. Uninstall TapuFind from the Applications

Even though this adware is sneaky and might not appear in the Applications folder, we suggest checking for safety. Open Finder and navigate to Applications through the toolbar on the left. Then search for TapuFind or Macappextensions and move them to the trash bin. If you’re having hard time trying to uninstall the virus manually, you might want to consider using a professional anti-malware suite for Mac to remove existing threats and secure it with real-time protection. INTEGO antivirus is one of the leading security products for Mac that includes VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9 features allowing detection of viruses, ransomware, adware, browser hijackers, Trojans, backdoors and other threats and blocks suspicious network connections. If any detections are found, the software will eliminate them. Learn more about the software’s features in its full review. GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. To remove the unwanted program from your Mac, use these instructions below to uninstall associated applications from your Mac computer. Then scroll down for instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually. Remove Tapufind virus from Safari Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions Change Safari Homepage and default search engine Remove push notifications on Safari Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide: Reset Safari

Remove Tapufind virus from Google Chrome Remove suspicious Chrome extensions Change Start Page settings Change default search settings Remove push notifications from Chrome If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps: Reset Google Chrome browser

Remove Tapufind virus from Mozilla Firefox Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox Change Firefox Homepage Alter preferences in Firefox Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla’s settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps: Reset Mozilla Firefox Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.