I get a screen when I open my MacBook Pro that says that "sowbelly" and "gladelike" can harm my computer. I can't get rid of it. If I try to put it in the trash, it asks for my password before it will put it in the trash, so I haven't done that. I've tried running "Clean My Mac" and that didn't get rid of it
Is this a legitimate threat and how do I get rid of it
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.7
First you need to get rid of CleanMyMac using the uninstaller provided by MacPaw. CleanMyMac is borderline Malware and will cause problems with your computer.
Then post screenshots of these 3 file locations. You can paste them into Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
We will be able to tell you which files need to be deleted to remove the alerts you are seeing. There will be many files that need to be deleted. For more information about those alerts:
About those "<app> will damage your… - Apple Community
First start up in Safe Mode:
Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
The first screenshot is fine.
In the second screenshot, remove:
In the last screenshot, romove:
Restart your computer again normally and the alerts should be gone.
<<. Do you recommend buying/installing any malware >>
No, and also No, and in addition, NO.
By far the easiest way to cause poor performance, instability, overheating and crashing is to install ANY third-party speeder-uppers, Cleaners, Optimizers, or Virus scanners. or a VPN that you installed yourself. The main reason is that they are relentless in scanning your files, non-stop, looking for things virus-like patterns in Everything. When completed, they do it all again.
The idea that a third party, with no special knowledge of the inner workings of MacOS, can somehow find a simple way to protect your computer — that is not already being done by MacOS itself — suggests that the MacOS developers are somehow "holding out on you". That is absurd.
You should remove any and all (other than Apple built-in) virus scanners, speeder uppers, optimizers, cleaners, App deleters or VPN packages you installed yourself, or anything of that ilk.
Third-party file Sync-ers such as DropBox, BackBlaze, OneDrive, or GoogleDrive can ruin performance, but are not inherently dangerous.
Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community
No. You should not install any Anti-Virus software. None of them would have prevented the problem you had. The only reason why you received those alerts is because you inadvertantly allowed software to be installed on your computer, usually through one of the techniques:
Your Mac OS is secure and locked on a read only volume on your hard drive so there is no Virus that can infect it. Malware will always be around and is similar to phishing attempts you find in emails. The solution is to not fall for the tactics that claim they will do something for you that is not true. Safe internet browsing is essential and you should not respond to any ad or something that pops up on your screen. Malware cannot be installed just by visiting a website, it takes an action from you to download the Malware.
I followed your instructions and it took care of the problem.
I very much appreciate the help and expertise. Thank you so much.
Do you recommend buying/installing any malware and if so, which would be your recommendations?
Many thanks,
Steve
MacOS shares a lot of the lock-down mechanisms developed for the iPhone. Applications are all sand-boxed with a list of the resources they require, and they cannot ask for anything outside their sandbox without crashing. Signed Applications are checked that they are from legitimate Developers, and Notarized Applications are delivered with the assurance that they have NOT been modified since their release by the Developer.
Recent versions of MacOS completely changed how you should think about malware.
From MacOS 11 Big Sur onward, the system is on a Separate, crypto-locked System Volume, which is not writeable using ordinary means. Any unauthorized differences that appear to the crypto-locked volume are quickly detected and you are alerted.
So you could store just about every malware known to mankind on your Mac, and your Mac would not get infected spontaneously. Scanning for virus-like patterns might make you feel a little better now, but it is outdated nonsense.
Nothing can become Executable Unless/Until you supply your Admin password to "make it so".
Here are the three "Library" files. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help
Thank you again. No malware for me!!
I get notes on my screen that I have sowbelly and gladelike
