How do I stop JavaScript pop ups from reappearing every time I turn Javascript back on?

Hi, these forums have helped me so many time but never had to post a question before.


I’ve obviously accessed a dodgy site at some point and now have little pop up ads appearing all over legitimate sites trying to sell me things.


I’ve tried disabling JavaScript, opening Safari whilst holding shift and clearing history and website data but whenever I enable JavaScript the pop ups start again. If I see another ad for pine furniture my Macs in danger of going out the window.


does anybody please have any suggestions?


thanks in advance.


Mark

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Dec 15, 2014 12:12 PM

Reply
7 replies

Dec 15, 2014 1:33 PM in response to markyc1968

There is no need to download anything to solve this problem.

You may have installed one of the common types of ad-injection malware. Follow the instructions on this Apple Support page to remove it.

Back up all data before making any changes.

One of the steps in the article is to remove malicious Safari extensions. Do the equivalent in the Chrome and Firefox browsers, if you use either of those. If Safari crashes on launch, skip that step and come back to it after you've done everything else.

If you don't find any of the files or extensions listed, or if removing them doesn't stop the ad injection, ask for further instructions.

Make sure you don't repeat the mistake that led you to install the malware. It may have come from an Internet cesspit such as "Softonic" or "CNET Download." Never visit either of those sites again. You might also have downloaded it from an ad in a page on some other site. The ad would probably have included a large green button labeled "Download" or "Download Now" in white letters. The button is designed to confuse people who intend to download something else on the same page. If you ever download a file that isn't obviously what you expected, delete it immediately.

Malware is also found on websites that traffic in pirated content such as video. If you, or anyone else who uses the computer, visit such sites and follow prompts to install software, you can expect more of the same, and worse, to follow. Never install any software that you downloaded from a bittorrent, or that was downloaded by someone else from an unknown source.

In the Security & Privacy pane of System Preferences, select the General tab. The radio button marked Anywhere should not be selected. If it is, click the lock icon to unlock the settings, then select one of the other buttons. After that, don't ignore a warning that you are about to run or install an application from an unknown developer.

Still in System Preferences, open the App Store or Software Update pane and check the box marked

Install system data files and security updates

if it's not already checked.

Dec 15, 2014 12:46 PM in response to markyc1968

Mac Malware Guide » The Safe Mac

Adware Removal Guide


This is to see what all is installed and running on your system

etresoft EtreCheck


Just what extensions and such do you have? and when using Firefox the problem goes away? (NoScript for Firefox has been around for years and provides a handy means).


you may want to use one of the Ad-block extensions, and also something to remove "super-cookies" which resist removal.

Dec 16, 2014 1:39 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks for taking the time and effort to give such a comprehensive response in basic language I can understand. I can't thank you enough..


I'm making my way through searching for the files 2 found thus far and deleting them as advised.. I just have another naive question.. can I assume that there are legitimate launch daemons? should I be deleting all of them or just the ones on the list on the apple support page?.


your bit about the pages with the "large green button labeled "Download" or "Download Now" in white letters" hit home.. thats where it came from I think.. I'll be more careful in future, and I'll let you know if deleting the files doesn't work..


Thanks again, Mark

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How do I stop JavaScript pop ups from reappearing every time I turn Javascript back on?

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