Otis Trout

Q: How do I remove adware from OS X

I am getting increased pop up ads and want to remove the adware. I am not sure who/what programs to trust. Any thoughts on easy to use, trustworthy methods of keeping the filth out of my life? I use both Safari and Chrome.

 

Thanks in advance...

Posted on May 14, 2016 8:31 AM

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Q: How do I remove adware from OS X

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  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack May 14, 2016 8:32 AM in response to Otis Trout
    Level 9 (55,709 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 14, 2016 8:32 AM in response to Otis Trout

    Please download and run EtreCheck, created by one of own helpers here in ASC. It is a diagnostic tool that's very useful to us in finding problems. Also it will give us further specs on your Mac. After it runs post the log file here. It will contain no personal information

  • by lllaass,Apple recommended

    lllaass lllaass May 14, 2016 8:49 AM in response to Otis Trout
    Level 10 (190,482 points)
    Apple Watch
    May 14, 2016 8:49 AM in response to Otis Trout

    First try the manual methods:
    How to install (Really remove) adware
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7471

    Stop pop-up ads and adware in Safari
    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
    Adware Removal Guide : Identification
    http://www.thesafemac.com/arg-identification/
    Next if necessary y can use this app:
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac
    https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/?gclid=CjwKEAjw8qetBRCj6vKH8IC_kwoS JADGQ8dSXC2m8LzIJ_6AwtK7xznQOvkb7qN3FBqVS_jjw8JcdhoCCqDw_wcB

     

    Note that some popups are from JavaScript on the website and to avoid these either do not go to those sites or turn off JavaScript in the browser's preferences. But also note that JavaScript may be required for normal operation of many sites too..

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis May 14, 2016 9:44 AM in response to Otis Trout
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    May 14, 2016 9:44 AM in response to Otis Trout

    You may have installed ad-injection malware ("adware").

    Don't use any kind of "anti-virus" or "anti-malware" product on a Mac. There is never a need for it, and relying on it for protection makes you more vulnerable to attack, not less.

    Back up all data first.

    If you're not already running the latest version of OS X, updating or upgrading in the App Store may cause the adware to be removed automatically. If you are already running the latest version, please log out or restart the computer. Again, some kinds of malware will be removed—not all. There is no such thing as automatic removal of all possible malware, either by OS X or by third-party software. That's why you can't rely on software to protect you.

    If the malware is removed in your case, you'll still need to make changes to the way you use the computer to protect yourself from further attacks. Ask if you need guidance.

    If the malware is not removed automatically, see below.

    This easy procedure will detect any kind of adware that I know of. Deactivating it is a separate, and even easier, procedure.

    Some legitimate software is ad-supported and may display ads in its own windows or in a web browser while it's running. That's not malware and it may not show up. Also, some websites carry intrusive popup ads that may be mistaken for adware.

    If none of your web browsers is working well enough to carry out these instructions, restart the computer in safe mode. The malware will be disabled temporarily.

    Step 1

    Please triple-click the line below on this page to select it, then copy the text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C:

    ~/Library/LaunchAgents

    In the Finder, select

              Go Go to Folder...

    from the menu bar and paste into the box that opens by pressing command-V. Press return. Either a folder named "LaunchAgents" will open, or you'll get a notice that the folder can't be found. If the folder isn't found, go to the next step.

    If the folder does open, press the key combination command-2 to select list view, if it's not already selected. Please don't skip this step.

    There should be a column in the Finder window headed Date Modified. Click that heading twice to sort the contents by date with the newest at the top. If necessary, enlarge the window so that all of the contents are showing.

    Follow the instructions in this support article under the heading "Take a screenshot of a window." An image file with a name beginning in "Screen Shot" should be saved to the Desktop. Open the screenshot and make sure it's readable. If not, capture a smaller part of the screen showing only what needs to be shown.

    Start a reply to this message. Drag the image file into the editing window to upload it. You can also include text in the reply.

    Leave the folder open for now.

    Step 2

    Do as in Step 1 with this line:

    /Library/LaunchAgents

    The folder that may open will have the same name, but is not the same, as the one in Step 1. As in that step, the folder may not exist.

    Step 3

    Repeat with this line:

    /Library/LaunchDaemons

    This time the folder will be named "LaunchDaemons."

    Step 4

    Open the Safari preferences window and select the Extensions tab. If any extensions are listed, post a screenshot. If there are no extensions, or if you can't launch Safari, skip this step.

    Step 5

    If you use the Firefox or Chrome browser, open its extension list and do as in Step 4.

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack May 14, 2016 9:53 AM in response to Otis Trout
    Level 9 (55,709 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 14, 2016 9:53 AM in response to Otis Trout

    Malwarebytes was developed by one of our own colleagues here in ASC. It gets rave reviews and is about the most proven anti-malware software for Mac.

  • by appreciate,

    appreciate appreciate May 14, 2016 10:48 AM in response to Otis Trout
    Level 4 (1,276 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 14, 2016 10:48 AM in response to Otis Trout

    open safari then  click command + comma to enter in safari preferences - if search engine is changed that's the indication ad injection software is installed . also go to safari extensions and find :

    omni bar , eBay shopping assistant by spigot  inc , amazon - shopping assistant by spigot inc , slick savings by spigot inc , go photo .it  , search me by spigot inc   . if they are found move to trash also remove certain ad injection software for example genieo , conduit , downlite .

     

      i have already given manual method to remove ad injection software  from system library & user library can follow it in previous post .

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass May 14, 2016 10:59 AM in response to appreciate
    Level 10 (190,482 points)
    Apple Watch
    May 14, 2016 10:59 AM in response to appreciate

    appreciate   just how is one to find your previous post on regard to this statement: "  i have already given manual method to remove ad injection software  from system library & user library can follow it in previous post ."

     

    Also not using capital letter at beginning of sentences makes it very hard to understand and follow what yo are saying

  • by Lexiepex,

    Lexiepex Lexiepex May 15, 2016 4:54 AM in response to Otis Trout
    Level 6 (10,536 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 15, 2016 4:54 AM in response to Otis Trout

    MalwareBytes AntiMalware app does not protect you for Adware/malware. But it is a scanner (manual) to find and remove adware found on your mac; when you start it, it reads the latest list and scans the mac. Use it, it is safe and the most easy way to get rid of the adware.

    https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/

  • by Lexiepex,

    Lexiepex Lexiepex May 15, 2016 6:04 AM in response to appreciate
    Level 6 (10,536 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 15, 2016 6:04 AM in response to appreciate

    It is not about Safari. the adware has to be removed (for all bowsers, Chrome is mentioned here too).

    You may have posted in the wrong thread..

  • by Otis Trout,

    Otis Trout Otis Trout May 15, 2016 9:29 AM in response to Otis Trout
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    May 15, 2016 9:29 AM in response to Otis Trout

    Thanks everyone, I seem to have solved the issue. The update is working for now. I will use other methods if the crap comes back.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis May 15, 2016 10:36 AM in response to Otis Trout
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    May 15, 2016 10:36 AM in response to Otis Trout

    To avoid further problems, be more selective about installing software. Only install software that you yourself have decided you need, and only when it serves some purpose of yours.