What Is Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer?
The “Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer” message is actually caused by a fake, adware app called “Cisco,” and could be causing all sorts of suspicious and unwanted activities once it lands on your Mac. This application’s main purpose of activity is to get inside your Mac and harvest information, show you advertisements for profit, while pretending to be a legitimate Cisco application.
Read this article to learn how to remove Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer pop-up and stop it from coming back in the future as well.
“Ciscod will damage your computer” Threat Summary
| Name | Ciscod, also known as “Ciscod will damage your computer” |
| Type | Mac Virus |
| Short Description | The Ciscod message appearing means that this error message could be the consequence of some type of Malware added on your Mac. |
| Symptoms | A pop-up appears, stating “Ciscod will damage your computer”. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did I Get It?
The Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer pop-up on your Mac is most likely caused by a fake Cisco app. There are many cases of such programs causing your Mac to alert you, and some recent examples of those include Scan Event Handler, DiscoveryUnitd, CiscoAnyConnect and “P” will damage your computer.
Possible intrusion methods include clicking on fake software updates or downloading a bundled software installer.
Ciscod Mac Virus – What Does It Do?
If you see this pop-up, then somehow this app may be taking advantage of your Mac. Usually, if the pop-up is caused by a malware infection on your macOS, then this malware can be responsible for the following actions that may occur without your knowledge:
- Deleting files.
- Controlling your internet connection.
- Downloading an adding other adware.
- Taking screenshots.
- Logging the keys you type in real-time.
- Stealing passwords and other information saved on your web browser.
- Stealing files.
- Damage causing your files to no longer be able to be opened.
- Tapping into your microphone or camera.
If the software turns out to be only adware, however, it could also be risky to some extent. Usually adware programs aim to cause modifications on your web browser, like change your home page, new tab and default search engines so that they can slither the following ads on your Mac:
- Notification pop-ups.
- Pop-up ads.
- Banner adware.
- Redirects.
- Search results advertisements.
- Highlighted ads in text.
But be advised that Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer may also lead you to dangerous websites because the ads it may show could be displayed for profit. If this app shows you risky ads, then they could lead to the following dangerous domains:
- Fake Tech Support scams.
- Fraud surveys.
- Scam sites.
- Virus websites.
- Phishing pages.
Furthermore, be advised that these ads may also cause a dangerous malware infection on your Mac, like the newly appeared:
- Ransomware for Mac.
- Trojans.
- Rootkits.
- Adware viruses.
- Botnets.
These are the primary reasons why applications, like the one behind the Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer pop-up are reported to be dangerous for your Mac and should be gotten rid of it.
Is Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer a Virus?
No, adware programs are not considered viruses. However, there have been cases of persistent adware infections or adware that is dropped together with malware. Because of that, adware is not considered safe and should be removed.
Remove Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer
In order to get rid of Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer, it is strongly recommended that you read the removal guide beneath. It has been created to contain all of the steps it should take to remove programs, like Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer from your Mac either manually or automatically. For the best removal, security professionals always advise that you do the removal automatically using advanced Mac anti-malware software. This software has been created mainly to best perform automatic detection and removal of any malware, trackers, adware or other unwanted software currently residing on your Mac without your consent.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer-FAQ
What is Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer on your Mac?
The Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the Ciscod Will Damage Your Computer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.