Three pervasive myths about Macs that you can find in almost any online discussion about security and macOS are 'Macs are safe by design', 'Macs are not numerous enough to be of interest to malware authors' and (consequently) 'there's no real malware threats out there for macOS'. We've talked about the weaknesses in macOS security on a number of previous occasions, and we've also talked about some of the common and not-so-common threats that are out there in the wild, too.
But as I've noted in the past, the view of security researchers and the views of those opining on social media are often at odds simply because the latter are speaking from their own experience and don't have the overview that researchers have. SentinelOne protects hundreds of thousands of Macs and our telemetry paints a very clear picture, a picture that has changed vastly even in the last two to three years. But people can only argue from what they know, so let's share a little knowledge. How do Macs really get infected? Let's count the ways.
1. Self-inflicted Damage? Cracks, Pirates and Porn
A common argument among those who grudgingly admit there might be a 'minor' problem of malware on macOS is that it is only users engaging in 'risky behaviour' that are susceptible to malware, and (for some often unstated reason) this doesn't count as a 'real' problem. This argument is often swiftly followed by the claim that had these users only followed 'Apple's advice', or 'common sense' or some other prescription about what users should and should not do on a computer, then they would not have ended up with malware on their (or their company's) Macs. The fact they didn't do the former and ended up with the latter? Well, 'only themselves to blame'.
The Adobe Flash Player update virus is one of the common ways cybercriminals try to deposit additional harmful code onto a Mac. It usually operates in tandem with such threats as bogus system utilities that report non-existent problems and thus attempt to manipulate users into activating the licensed copy of the scareware. 'Immediately Call Apple Support' shares similarities with many other fake errors such as Mac Detected TAPSNAKE infection and MAC Malware Warning Alert! All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or corrupted/damaged in other similar ways, however, as with 'Immediately Call Apple Support', these errors are also attempts to scam victims.
I believe such moralizing hinders rather than helps the real security effort needed to improve macOS security, not just for this subset of users but for all. I also don't believe this attitude is representative of Apple itself, if you look at the kind of things that Apple's own security tools try to detect. Rather, this is the view of a certain vociferous subsection of Apple enthusiasts.
However, before we get further into that, let's first take a look at the kind of threats we're talking about here.
Those that frequent torrent sites in search of free access to copyrighted material – from books and TV series to blockbuster movies and proprietary software – share something in common with those that frequent adult entertainment sites (regardless of whether they are or are not the same users): they are disproportionately likely to expose themselves to macOS malware.
Take this Torrent user's offerings, for example.
As they say on TV, 'don't try this at home, folks!' Taking the first offering in the list, the Adobe Photoshop DMG unpacks to contain both the genuine software, a patch for it, and a hidden cryptominer.
In another example, a number of easy-to-find websites offer 'cracked' versions of popular apps, including another Adobe Zii crack. Here's one:
Clicking on the link for the Adobe Zii 2020 5.2.0 Universal Patcher appears to provide a disk image for the same software.
However, after mounting the image we find no application at all, just a single mach-O file called 'AdobeFlashPlayer'.
A quick lookup of the hash on VirusTotal confirms that it's malware.
0d5b129d4e4f1da8847b4579cc8c4f59e12c17effa924bb2624983f0ade51ba4
Yet another site offers a crack of popular video and screencast editing software Camtasia, among many other paid-for applications. In case you know someone tempted, point them to the following sobering reality:
Downloading the DMG we find it contains an 'Install' file; this time, neither an App bundle or a mach-O, but an obfuscated shell script.
And, of course, that's malware, too.
Blaming Users Is No Way To Do Security
Regardless of the source of the infection or the payload delivered, in all these cases the user behaviour has one thing in common: each is attempting to find or obtain some premium product (or service) without paying for it. Knowing this, malware authors lure victims with promises of expensive or popular software and infect them with malware, usually instead of, but sometimes as well as, providing whatever was promised in the lure.
Are these users to blame for their own cheap skating, IP-stealing ways? There's certainly no argument here that this kind of behavior shouldn't be condoned and those guilty of actually stealing IP should be sanctioned by the appropriate authorities where possible. But playing the blame game ignores, rather than solves, the security issue. If users are committing crimes, surely we want them to be punished in appropriate ways by the proper authorities, not by malware authors?
More importantly, dismissing victims of supposed ‘self-inflicted' cyber crime ignores the reality that the damage done by such malware can both have consequences far greater than the supposed ‘crime' (you tried to steal a $99 software and lost your credit card credentials) and also can collaterally affect other users on the same device or network, a particular worry for enterprises with Mac fleets.
In short, let's not leave security in the precarious and unreliable hands of moralists, and instead deal with the problem properly: through advanced behavioral AI that can protect such users from themselves, and protect the rest of us from such users.
2. Scamware, Scareware and all the PUPs
Not every user infected with macOS malware was looking to get something they should be paying for on the cheap. Some users are looking for genuine software to solve a problem, but they will rapidly encounter all kinds of sites with misleading cues and confusing download buttons, particularly if they are using a browser without some kind of advertising or pop up blocker.
A common source of scareware pop ups is product review sites, many of which are fake and lead consumers on a merry-dance through several links before throwing the inevitable alert claiming something like 'Adobe Flash Player is out of date' or 'Your Mac is infected with a virus'.
Similarly, many such sites are littered with malvertising, with flashy graphics or annoying gifs with fake 'Close' button lures which, after a few redirects, end up in a predictable pop-up like the one below. In this example, the ‘Later' button re-pops the alert while the ‘Install' button treats the user to one variant or another of OSX.Shlayer.
3. Search and (Be) Destroy(ed)
Even without visiting such sites, general Internet searches for macOS-related content can turn up results with JavaScript redirection to fake App Store pages that deliver Shlayer malware, adware or PUP installers.
In this example the user conducts a search via Google for 'Can You Expand A Dmg Without Mounting?' Among the the first page hits is this one, hosted on weebly.com:
hxxps://newsletternew979[.]weebly[.]com/can-you-expand-a-dmg-without-mounting[.]html
When the referrer is Google.com, the above site uses Javascript to replace the original content with a fake App Store and download links to OSX.Shlayer malware.
The site is scripted such that if the user follows a direct link or comes from another search engine, no redirection occurs. However, when the user is referred from Google, the original content is replaced with the fake App Store and the lure to download the malware.
4. Phishing, Targeted Attacks and…Ransomware?
And all this is without mentioning the actual malware campaigns that are directly aimed at Mac users. In the last 18 months or so, we've seen the return of OSX.Dok, unknown actors behind the GMERA malware campaign and plenty of Lazarus/AppleJeus campaigns targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and crypto wallet users to name just a few.
Only this week a well-known Remote Access Trojan/Backdoor from the Windows world (Dacls RAT) with links to Lazarus APT was discovered to have a macOS variant.
There is also evidence that the ransomware plague which so far has spared macOS users may be coming our way soon as ransomware-as-a-service vendors like SMAUG begin to offer Mac-compatible malware. At present, we have yet to see this particular threat active in the wild or validated it for it's efficacy against Mac targets, but the fact that such offerings are being made suggests cyber criminals are aware of the value of infecting macOS users: 'Don't leave money on the table by focusing only on Windows', the message states.
But…Apple Have Your Back, Right?
Although you can find many Apple enthusiasts and social media 'influencers' still denying that there is a malware problem on macOS, you won't find anyone from Apple sharing that view (if you can find anyone from Apple to share a view, that is…).
Joking aside, Apple are well aware of the problem and as we've pointed out before, have admirably stepped up their attention to security in the last 12 to 18 months. XProtect and MRT.app are now regularly updated, and there's no doubt that they are both far more comprehensive than they've ever been before. Indeed, I've even written about how to keep up with Apple's security updates myself as a means of threat research.
That said, the issue now is not so much that Apple isn't working hard to protect the platform as that the current tools on the platform are simply not up to the job. They are built on old technology – Yara Rules, path lists, code signing certificates – that require having already seen a threat before writing a signature to stop it.
Conclusion
Malware is a growing problem on macOS. It certainly isn't as big a problem as it is on the Windows platform, but it's way past the point where anyone with any reasonable knowledge of what's going on in the wild would deny it.
Yes, users are sometimes culpable, and sometimes gullible; but burying our collective heads in the sand and assuming that if we can't see macOS malware it can't see us will only serve to exacerbate the problem. It's been proven beyond argument that no matter the platform, the only effective way to do enterprise security is to stop chasing malware samples and start detecting malware behaviors. If you'd like to see how SentinelOne can help protect your enterprise, contact us today or request a free demo.
Like this article? Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook to see the content we post.
Read more about Cyber Security
How to remove Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus from Mac?
What is Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus?
'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' is another fake error similar to AppleCare And Warranty, WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected, Apple Support Center - Attention!!, and many others. This error message targets MacOS users and is displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Research shows that these programs infiltrate systems without users' consent, misuse system resources, deliver malicious ads, and record various user-system information.
This error claims to detect an excessive number of ads due to a possible computer infection: the malware must be eliminated immediately and, for this reason, users should contact Apple Technical Support via a telephone number ('1-844-406-0388') provided. Victims are then supposedly guided through the malware removal process. Note is that this malicious website also contains a fake 'live chat', which supposedly allows users to access the same technical support service. In fact, 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' is a scam. This error is fake and has nothing to do with Apple. Cyber criminals aim to generate revenue by selling their services (that are not even needed, since the malware does not exist) to unsuspecting users. Furthermore, cyber criminals attempt to gain remote access to users' computers to change system settings and/or install malware. Criminals then claim to 'detect' further issues and offer their help for an additional fee. For these reasons, ignore the 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' error and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser or restarting the system.
Be aware that some potentially unwanted programs and malicious websites significantly diminish system performance by misusing resources to mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes without permission. With regard to potentially unwanted programs, they are likely to generate various 'malvertising' ads such as banners, pop-ups, coupons, and so on. These are displayed using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing the web browsing experience. In addition, 'malvertising' ads typically lead to malicious websites and, in some cases, execute scripts that download and install malware or other potentially unwanted programs. Thus, clicking them can cause high-risk computer infections. In addition, potentially unwanted programs continually record information that often includes private details. This information is sold to third parties (mostly, for marketing purposes). These actions are performed only to generate revenue. For these reasons, potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.
Name | 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' virus |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
As mentioned above, 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, these claims are merely attempts to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for technical services that are not required. All potentially unwanted programs are very similar. By offering various useful features, these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than providing any real value for regular users, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Cyber criminals proliferate potentially unwanted programs via the aforementioned malicious ads, together with a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling'. Therefore, due to poor knowledge and careless behavior by many users, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission. 'Bundling' is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps. Developers conceal 'bundled' apps within various sections (usually the 'Custom/Advanced' settings) - they do not adequately disclose this information. Many users rush the download/installation processes, skip steps, and click various ads. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes to opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Avoid using third party download/installation tools, since they are monetized by promoting dubious apps (the 'bundling' method). Furthermore, many malicious ads appear genuine, however, they are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you encounter them, immediately eliminate all suspicious apps/browser plug-ins.
Text presented in the 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' pop-up and the live chat:
Apple Support
You have been redirected to Apple Support page because your Mac is infected with Popup Adware Virus due to download's from untrusted source. Please connect with a chat support agent for help and support.
Website displaying 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' error:
Text presented within this site:
Welcome To Apple Support
1-844-406-0388
We're here to help. Call or chat with us
Contact Expert Support
How can we help you?
Get support by phone, chat, or email, set up a repair, or make a Genius Bar appointment.
Call 1-844-406-0388 or Chat With Us
Appearance of 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' scam (GIF):
Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Without
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove PUP related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove rogue applications that deliver 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' pop-up using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted programs removal:
Remove PUP-related potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX','NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Chrome
Remove 'your mac is infected with popup adware virus' virus related files and folders:
What to do if your mac wont download a software update. Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder..
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
Free download bijoy bangla software for mac. In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the 'Application Support' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, 'MplayerX' or 'NicePlayer', and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the 'LaunchDaemons' folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example 'com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist', 'com.myppes.net-preferences.plist', 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist', 'com.avickUpd.plist', etc., and move them to the Trash.
Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Safari
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' virus removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove 'your mac is infected with popup adware virus' virus related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences..'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove 'your mac is infected with popup adware virus' virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Disable
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
More importantly, dismissing victims of supposed ‘self-inflicted' cyber crime ignores the reality that the damage done by such malware can both have consequences far greater than the supposed ‘crime' (you tried to steal a $99 software and lost your credit card credentials) and also can collaterally affect other users on the same device or network, a particular worry for enterprises with Mac fleets.
In short, let's not leave security in the precarious and unreliable hands of moralists, and instead deal with the problem properly: through advanced behavioral AI that can protect such users from themselves, and protect the rest of us from such users.
2. Scamware, Scareware and all the PUPs
Not every user infected with macOS malware was looking to get something they should be paying for on the cheap. Some users are looking for genuine software to solve a problem, but they will rapidly encounter all kinds of sites with misleading cues and confusing download buttons, particularly if they are using a browser without some kind of advertising or pop up blocker.
A common source of scareware pop ups is product review sites, many of which are fake and lead consumers on a merry-dance through several links before throwing the inevitable alert claiming something like 'Adobe Flash Player is out of date' or 'Your Mac is infected with a virus'.
Similarly, many such sites are littered with malvertising, with flashy graphics or annoying gifs with fake 'Close' button lures which, after a few redirects, end up in a predictable pop-up like the one below. In this example, the ‘Later' button re-pops the alert while the ‘Install' button treats the user to one variant or another of OSX.Shlayer.
3. Search and (Be) Destroy(ed)
Even without visiting such sites, general Internet searches for macOS-related content can turn up results with JavaScript redirection to fake App Store pages that deliver Shlayer malware, adware or PUP installers.
In this example the user conducts a search via Google for 'Can You Expand A Dmg Without Mounting?' Among the the first page hits is this one, hosted on weebly.com:
hxxps://newsletternew979[.]weebly[.]com/can-you-expand-a-dmg-without-mounting[.]html
When the referrer is Google.com, the above site uses Javascript to replace the original content with a fake App Store and download links to OSX.Shlayer malware.
The site is scripted such that if the user follows a direct link or comes from another search engine, no redirection occurs. However, when the user is referred from Google, the original content is replaced with the fake App Store and the lure to download the malware.
4. Phishing, Targeted Attacks and…Ransomware?
And all this is without mentioning the actual malware campaigns that are directly aimed at Mac users. In the last 18 months or so, we've seen the return of OSX.Dok, unknown actors behind the GMERA malware campaign and plenty of Lazarus/AppleJeus campaigns targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and crypto wallet users to name just a few.
Only this week a well-known Remote Access Trojan/Backdoor from the Windows world (Dacls RAT) with links to Lazarus APT was discovered to have a macOS variant.
There is also evidence that the ransomware plague which so far has spared macOS users may be coming our way soon as ransomware-as-a-service vendors like SMAUG begin to offer Mac-compatible malware. At present, we have yet to see this particular threat active in the wild or validated it for it's efficacy against Mac targets, but the fact that such offerings are being made suggests cyber criminals are aware of the value of infecting macOS users: 'Don't leave money on the table by focusing only on Windows', the message states.
But…Apple Have Your Back, Right?
Although you can find many Apple enthusiasts and social media 'influencers' still denying that there is a malware problem on macOS, you won't find anyone from Apple sharing that view (if you can find anyone from Apple to share a view, that is…).
Joking aside, Apple are well aware of the problem and as we've pointed out before, have admirably stepped up their attention to security in the last 12 to 18 months. XProtect and MRT.app are now regularly updated, and there's no doubt that they are both far more comprehensive than they've ever been before. Indeed, I've even written about how to keep up with Apple's security updates myself as a means of threat research.
That said, the issue now is not so much that Apple isn't working hard to protect the platform as that the current tools on the platform are simply not up to the job. They are built on old technology – Yara Rules, path lists, code signing certificates – that require having already seen a threat before writing a signature to stop it.
Conclusion
Malware is a growing problem on macOS. It certainly isn't as big a problem as it is on the Windows platform, but it's way past the point where anyone with any reasonable knowledge of what's going on in the wild would deny it.
Yes, users are sometimes culpable, and sometimes gullible; but burying our collective heads in the sand and assuming that if we can't see macOS malware it can't see us will only serve to exacerbate the problem. It's been proven beyond argument that no matter the platform, the only effective way to do enterprise security is to stop chasing malware samples and start detecting malware behaviors. If you'd like to see how SentinelOne can help protect your enterprise, contact us today or request a free demo.
Like this article? Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook to see the content we post.
Read more about Cyber Security
How to remove Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus from Mac?
What is Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus?
'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' is another fake error similar to AppleCare And Warranty, WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected, Apple Support Center - Attention!!, and many others. This error message targets MacOS users and is displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Research shows that these programs infiltrate systems without users' consent, misuse system resources, deliver malicious ads, and record various user-system information.
This error claims to detect an excessive number of ads due to a possible computer infection: the malware must be eliminated immediately and, for this reason, users should contact Apple Technical Support via a telephone number ('1-844-406-0388') provided. Victims are then supposedly guided through the malware removal process. Note is that this malicious website also contains a fake 'live chat', which supposedly allows users to access the same technical support service. In fact, 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' is a scam. This error is fake and has nothing to do with Apple. Cyber criminals aim to generate revenue by selling their services (that are not even needed, since the malware does not exist) to unsuspecting users. Furthermore, cyber criminals attempt to gain remote access to users' computers to change system settings and/or install malware. Criminals then claim to 'detect' further issues and offer their help for an additional fee. For these reasons, ignore the 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' error and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser or restarting the system.
Be aware that some potentially unwanted programs and malicious websites significantly diminish system performance by misusing resources to mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes without permission. With regard to potentially unwanted programs, they are likely to generate various 'malvertising' ads such as banners, pop-ups, coupons, and so on. These are displayed using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing the web browsing experience. In addition, 'malvertising' ads typically lead to malicious websites and, in some cases, execute scripts that download and install malware or other potentially unwanted programs. Thus, clicking them can cause high-risk computer infections. In addition, potentially unwanted programs continually record information that often includes private details. This information is sold to third parties (mostly, for marketing purposes). These actions are performed only to generate revenue. For these reasons, potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.
Name | 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' virus |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
As mentioned above, 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, these claims are merely attempts to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for technical services that are not required. All potentially unwanted programs are very similar. By offering various useful features, these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than providing any real value for regular users, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Cyber criminals proliferate potentially unwanted programs via the aforementioned malicious ads, together with a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling'. Therefore, due to poor knowledge and careless behavior by many users, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission. 'Bundling' is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps. Developers conceal 'bundled' apps within various sections (usually the 'Custom/Advanced' settings) - they do not adequately disclose this information. Many users rush the download/installation processes, skip steps, and click various ads. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes to opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Avoid using third party download/installation tools, since they are monetized by promoting dubious apps (the 'bundling' method). Furthermore, many malicious ads appear genuine, however, they are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you encounter them, immediately eliminate all suspicious apps/browser plug-ins.
Text presented in the 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' pop-up and the live chat:
Apple Support
You have been redirected to Apple Support page because your Mac is infected with Popup Adware Virus due to download's from untrusted source. Please connect with a chat support agent for help and support.
Website displaying 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' error:
Text presented within this site:
Welcome To Apple Support
1-844-406-0388
We're here to help. Call or chat with us
Contact Expert Support
How can we help you?
Get support by phone, chat, or email, set up a repair, or make a Genius Bar appointment.
Call 1-844-406-0388 or Chat With Us
Appearance of 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' scam (GIF):
Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Without
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove PUP related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove rogue applications that deliver 'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' pop-up using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted programs removal:
Remove PUP-related potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX','NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Chrome
Remove 'your mac is infected with popup adware virus' virus related files and folders:
What to do if your mac wont download a software update. Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder..
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
Free download bijoy bangla software for mac. In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the 'Application Support' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, 'MplayerX' or 'NicePlayer', and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the 'LaunchDaemons' folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example 'com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist', 'com.myppes.net-preferences.plist', 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist', 'com.avickUpd.plist', etc., and move them to the Trash.
Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Safari
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
'Your Mac Is Infected With Popup Adware Virus' virus removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove 'your mac is infected with popup adware virus' virus related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences..'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove 'your mac is infected with popup adware virus' virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Disable
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove 'your mac is infected with popup adware virus' virus related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.