Although 2020 will surely go down as “virus year,” viruses on Mac are not going anywhere. Just recently, a fake Adobe Flash Player updater named Shlayer has infected 10% of all Macs in the world (according to Kaspersky’s lab).
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Even newer malware type, Tarmac, is increasingly sweeping the Mac world. All it takes to contract it is to open a pirated website or even click a link on Wikipedia. At least that’s been the case with Shlayer, which had its malicious links planted inside Wikipedia’s external resources.
In this Mac Malware removal guide, we’ll tell you how to get rid of malware on your Mac. We’ll also cover how to tell apart different viruses on Mac: adware, scareware, and others. We’ll be using the manual methods as well as some respected antivirus tools for Mac. Let’s go.
What is malware
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First off, let’s point out that the term “malware” is a broad term for all unwanted intrusions. It’s also not synonymous with the term “virus” because the latter is only a model of distribution i.e. how an app self-replicates. Here are common types of malware you can encounter on Mac:
- Download managers — download unauthorized objects
- Spyware and keyloggers — steal users’ personal data
- Backdoor infections — apps that remotely seize control of your computer
- Rootkit — infiltrate admin privileges
- Botnet — turn your Mac into a shadow bot
- Trojan horses — apps disguised as legit software
- Ransomware — lock your Mac’s screen
- PUP — potentially unwanted programs
Among these, PUPs are the most numerous type. According to Malwarebytes, Windows platform is no longer a hotbed for viruses — the macOS is. The has been a 400% spike in macOS-specific malware infections with an average of 11 threats per number of Mac devices — the same figure for Windows is only 5.8.
Mac malware: The symptoms
Oftentimes a malware app would trick you into believing it’s perfectly harmless. Such apps are known to disguise themselves as antiviruses, extractors or video players. But how to check your Mac for viruses? Here are some of the tell-tale signs:
- A sudden drop in Mac’s performance or frequent freeze-ups.
- Pages that you visit get obscured with ads.
- Unexpected Mac reboots or apps starting for no reason.
- Your browser installs suspicious updates automatically.
How Mac can get infected with malware
By clicking on fake Flash Player updater. Or by installing a seemingly useful browser extension. As of 2020, a trojan browser extension NewTab infected 30 million Mac computers. This malware disguised itself as a parcel tracking helper but was in fact spreading ads. So how to protect your Mac from malware? You can start by studying typical infection gateways.
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How to remove a virus from Mac
Just as with any disease, to doctor a virus you need to remove the infected part of your software — as simple as that.
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1.Remove malware from Mac manually:
The Activity Monitor
If you know which app on your Mac is malicious, you’re half-way through the problem. First of all, you need to close the app and then root it out from the system processes.
- Open Activity Monitor (type its name in the Launchpad).
- Locate the problematic app in the Processes.
- Use [x] button to quit the process
Now go back to your Applications and move the app to the Trash bin. Immediately empty the Trash.
This method is simple, but for the best malware removal results, you’d have to invest a bit more time. There are still parts and pieces of the virus app scattered around your system folders. It’s a bit like killing a dragon that re-grows its head after you’ve chopped it off. To remove malware from your Mac completely, it’s better to use a powerful uninstaller.
Tip
Do a quick search for virus-infected .DMG files within your Downloads. The potential culprits could be recently downloaded files, especially media-related ones. Delete them and empty the Trash bin.
Do a quick search for virus-infected .DMG files within your Downloads. The potential culprits could be recently downloaded files, especially media-related ones. Delete them and empty the Trash bin.
2. Get rid of malware using CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X has a 10-year reputation of guarding Macs around the world. The app will scan your Mac for any vulnerabilities and offer immediate removal if it finds something suspicious. CleanMyMac detects thousands of malware threats, including viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and more. The app’s database is regularly updated to keep all those “-wares” away from your Mac.
Here’s how to remove malware from your Mac:
- Download CleanMyMac X — it’s free to download.
- Click Malware Removal tab.
- Click Scan.
- Click Remove.
- Done!
3. Remove Mac malware from your Login Items
Most adware or spyware will try to sneak inside the bootup process. Good news, you don’t have to be Kaspersky to prevent this.
- Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Choose Users & Groups section.
- Make sure if your username is highlighted.
- Open Login Items tab.
Now use the “—” sign to disable all the suspicious apps (like Mac Defenders) that you’ll find. Restart your Mac for the changes to take place.
4. Get rid of pop-up ads on Mac
Advertising pop-ups are browser-related, so whatever browser you are using, be prepared for a thorough cleanup. First off, don’t buy into whatever the ad is telling you. Some scary alerts would mention 343 viruses found on your Mac forcing you to immediately install a “Mac Defender” or “Mac Security” tool. Just ignore it and don’t click anywhere on the pop-up. Use [x] button and if it doesn’t close the ad, Ctrl + click the browser icon to quit the browser completely.
Tip
Hold the Shift key when starting a new Safari session. This way all your previous tabs (including the ad pop-up) will not be reopened.
Hold the Shift key when starting a new Safari session. This way all your previous tabs (including the ad pop-up) will not be reopened.
How to block pop-up ads in Safari
- Open Safari preferences (in the top menu).
- Go to the Security tab.
- Tick “Block pop-up windows”.
How to get rid of pop-ups in Chrome
- Open Chrome Settings (a three-dot icon)
- Click Privacy and security
- Go to Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects
- Locate the Popups tab and block them from appearing
Additionally, make sure your browser’s homepage is set to standard Google page or other trusted source.
5. Clean up extensions to remove adware from Mac
Apple lists several browser extensions as potentially malicious. The list includes:
- Amazon Shopping Assistant by Spigot Inc.
- Slick Savings by Spigot Inc.
- FlashMall
- Cinema-Plus
This is just to give you an idea of how different these adware extensions could be. But if you’re looking at how to remove malware from the Mac Safari browser, follow this path.
Remove extensions in Safari
- Go to Safari Preferences
- Choose the Extensions tab
- Select an extension and click Uninstall
Disable browser extensions in Chrome
And here’s how to remove malware from Mac Chrome. Open Chrome and click Window in the top menu. In the bottom of the list choose Extensions. This opens up the list of all your installed extensions. Now use a trash bin icon to remove the ones you suspect are adware viruses. Right after that, your Chrome experience should get much less distracting.
Just to be doubly sure, we recommend you to remove all the extensions you'll find. Later you can re-install each one separately.
TIP: How to remove Mac adware via Javascript
You can prevent some malware attacks from happening by disabling JavaScript in your browser. Although, it may break certain webpages, your browsing will get more secure and, likely, faster too.
To disable JavaScript in Safari
- Go to Safari Preferences > Security.
- Uncheck Enable JavaSript.
6. Launch Agents and Daemons: Where else to look
So far we’ve covered browser Extensions, Applications, and Login Items trying to remove malware from your Mac. But these are not the only locations where malicious agents may be hiding. Another type of system services that could be affected by malware are the so-called Launch Agents and Daemons — yes, the name does derive from the word demon. These are small helper programs that stealthily run in the background, like software updaters or automatic backups.
While Launch Agents and Daemons are two different entities, both can be infiltrated by malware. As it often happens, trojan apps would place their executable files within the Launch Agents folder. The result — the virus app launches automatically and potentially harms or steals your data.
7.How to remove daemons and agents from Mac startup
- Click Finder.
- Choose Go > Go to Folder.
- Type in:
/Library/LaunchDaemons
For Launch Agents, repeat the steps above, but this time search in 2 more locations:
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
Inside you’ll find a bunch of PLIST files and if some of them look suspicious to you, delete them. Sure, the names of these files may not be very telling, but if you already know the problematic app that you are after, knowing this folder may help you fully extinguish it.
Don’t forget to reboot your Mac — until you do, all these files are still in memory.
One more way to remove daemons, agents, and plug-ins
If the manual path described here sounds too complicated, you can again be rescued by CleanMyMac X. This app has a special tool to remove malware Launch Agents.
- Download CleanMyMac X (it’s free to download).
- Install the app.
- Click Optimization tab > Launch Agents
- Click Perform.
By the way, this app has a real-time anti-malware monitor. It monitors for any problematic apps that try to get into your Launch Agents. If it finds such, it will notify you and offer to remove the intruder.
If all else fails
Below a few more ideas to help you remove malware from Mac.
- Switch to a different user account and do a full system cleanup.
- Restore your Mac using Time Machine (to the point before it got infected).
- Update all your software, including the macOS.
How to protect Mac from malware
As a conclusion, we’ve prepared a few basic tips to minimize your chance of catching malware in 2020 and beyond. They are just as relatable for a PC computer.
- Closely read those dialogue boxes
- Get a reliable password manager app
- Browse anonymously
- Cover your webcam when possible
- Use passphrases instead of passwords
- Create an “emergency” bootable SD card for your Mac
OK, looks we’ve covered how to remove malware from Mac including both manual and software solutions. Hope your Mac stays virus-free and may you never click on those scary Mac alerts again.
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If you’ve noticed that your web browser is persistently re-directing site requests to Cloudfront.net, you may have installed adware. In this article, we’ll explain what Cloudfront.net is and how to get rid of the adware.
What is Cloudfront.net?
Can i delete install mac os sierra app. Cloudfront.net is not a virus, it is a content delivery network owned by Amazon. Whenever you download anything from Amazon, like music or an eBook, it likely comes via Cloudfront.net. However, Amazon also rents out Cloudfront.net to third parties via Amazon Web Services (AWS). Anyone with a credit card can sign up to AWS and use it to store files and deliver them via download.
The vast majority of people and businesses who do that do it for legitimate purposes. However, as with everything, there are a few who use it for malicious reasons, in this case hosting adware. So, when you notice your web browser redirecting you to Cloudfront.net, it’s nothing to do with Amazon, it’s a third party using its services.
How did the adware get on my Mac?
Like most adware, it probably came bundled when you downloaded what seemed to be legitimate software, possibly from a free download site that uses its own proprietary download manager. These download managers bundle other software with the app you chose to download. If you must use them – and it’s better if you don’t – make sure to choose the custom install option and untick all the boxes except the one for the app you want to download.
Bundled software can also come with Mac apps like media players that are no longer updated by their developer and have been ‘hijacked’ by hackers to deliver malware.
How can I avoid downloading adware?
The simplest way to avoid downloading any malware is to use an anti-malware tool and have it set to automatically scan your Mac and alert you if you download anything malicious. I recommend CleanMyMac X, which has a real-time protection tool that scans your Mac and warns you if it finds anything. Unlike those horrible ‘your Mac is infected’ pop-up scams you sometimes see, CleanMyMac X is a legitimate anti-malware and clean-up tool that has been notarized by Apple.
I also recommend scanning your Mac regularly with its Malware removal tool, just in case anything gets through the net.
Here’s how to scan for malware:
- Download CleanMyMac X. Install the app and then launch it from Applications
- Click on Malware Removal and press Scan.
- If CleanMyMac X finds malware, press Remove to get rid of it.
In addition, there are several steps you can take to ensure you don't inadvertently download anything nasty.
- Don’t use proprietary download managers (or, if you must, use the custom option as described above).
- Don’t ignore warnings from your web browser that a site you are about to visit is malicious.
- If you see a message from macOS’ GateKeeper telling you that you are about to install a file downloaded from the internet, think carefully before giving it permission.
- Be vigilant when it comes to clicking links and installing browser extensions. Make sure that they are safe first.
How to remove Cloudfront.net adware
The steps for removing this adware from your Mac are the same as those for removing other types of adware.
- Get rid of the application it was bundled with
- Remove associated files
- Uninstall malicious browser extensions
- Remove website data like cache files
Remove the application
Go to your Applications folder and remove the app you downloaded just before you noticed the adware. Drag it to the Trash and empty it.
Get rid of associated files
These files live in different folders within your main Library and user Library folders. To get rid of them, use the Finder’s Go menu and the Go to Folder tool to navigate to the following locations and remove anything that seems suspicious
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/Application Support
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~/Library/Application Support
Also, launch System Preferences, then choose Users & Groups and click on your user name and Login Items. Use the ‘-‘ button to disable any login items that look like malware.
CleanMyMac X also has tools to completely uninstall applications, as well as remove login items and launch agents. It can also help with the next steps, removing browser extensions and website data.
Uninstall browser extensions
The process is dependent on which browser you use, but in each case, you locate the list of installed extensions and use the ‘Uninstall’ or ‘Remove’ button to get rid of any that seem suspicious. Here’s where to find them:
- Safari
Adware On Mac
Go to Preferences > Extensions.
- Chrome
Type chrome://extensions into the address bar.
- Firefox
![Removal Removal](/uploads/1/3/3/8/133867929/286641342.png)
Click on the three horizontal lines on the right of the address bar, then choose Add-ons and Extensions.
Once you’ve removed suspicious extensions, you should also clear out website data like cookies and history files.
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- Safari
Safe Mac Adware Removal
Go to Preferences > Privacy > Manage website data.
- Chrome
Type this chrome://settings into the address bar and press Enter.
- Firefox
Click on the three horizontal lines then go to Preferences > Privacy & Security > Clear data.
Once you’ve done all that, you should have removed every trace of adware from your Mac.
Cloudfront.net is not adware itself. It is a content delivery network owned and run by Amazon. However, it is available for third parties to use for a fee, for cloud storage and content delivery. Some malicious actors use it to host and deliver adware, which is why you might notice adware re-directing your browser to Cloudfront.net Fortunately, the adware isn’t difficult to get rid of, although there are several steps involved. If you want to make it easier and prevent adware from getting onto your Mac in the future, we think the best solution is CleanMyMac X. As well as protecting your Mac from malware, it can clean out website data, remove extensions, and get rid of other junk files, helping your Mac run more smoothly and more quickly.