What Is HdInputAdmin on Mac?
HdInputAdmin app for Mac affects certain system settings to access browsers and then start to push ads. This behavior is typical for adware programs which many users consider as viruses for Mac.
HdInputAdmin active adware on macOS is able to run processes that transform the way your browsers and system operate. The phoney software will lower the security of the affected devices by showing lots of bogus ads that link to unreliable sources.
Being also a potentially unwanted program, this app will attempt to run on your Mac without making you aware of the installation process. Its presence on the Mac may remain unnoticed until the first signs of your Mac performing strangely.
When you remove HdInputAdmin adware from the affected Mac it won’t keep lowering system security. Your online privacy will be improved as well.
HdInputAdmin Summary
| Name | HdInputAdmin also known as Adware.MacOS.HdInputAdmin (SpyHunter for Mac) |
| Type | Adware, PUP, Redirect for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer in order to cause browser redirects and display adverts. |
| Symptoms | The appearance of various types of online advertisements results in lowered macOS security and slowed Mac performance. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Dangerous web pages which advertise it; Fake software updates. |
| Detection Tool |
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HdInputAdmin – How Did I Get Infected?
Various reputable anti-malware tools detect HdInputAdmin as adware application. Therefore, it poses a certain danger to the security of the operating system it is running on.
Probably, you have missed the moment when this app got installed on your Mac machine. But this could be explained by the fact that fraudsters use various shady methods of distribution, all of which are designed to trick users into installing PUPs on their devices.
The shady methods usually include:
- Fake software updates.
- Torrent files.
- Software packages.
- Bogus ads.
Below you can see how an app installer configured to run additional potentially undesired app looks like:
Fake Adobe Flash Player Updates may be promoting HdInputAdmin adware too. A fake website claiming you need to install an urgent update could be designed as follows:
HdInputAdmin – What Does It Do?
As an adware HdInputAdmin modifies web browser settings so that it can initiate annoying advertising campaigns. Your online browsing sessions may be flooded with a large number of ads as a result of having this adware running on the macOS.
PUPs are used for the realization of shady advertising due to fraudsters’ desire to win profits. Hence, every click on an ad delivered by HdInputAdmin bogus app will generate revenue for them.
Here are a few more apps that should be kept away from the macOS:
Note also that there is one hidden issue related to the presence of this adware on your Mac. It may perform unnoticed data collection for advertising and other purposes.
By activating specific tracking technologies the program may provide to its owners data that defines your online browsing. After receiving data, adware owners may share it with third parties, release it for sale on dark web markets or misuse it for the launch of more bogus advertising campaigns.
Example of cookies that have been added to a browser to collect data:
One of the most important steps for your privacy and security is to find and all harmful trackers and then delete them from both the affected browsers and the operating system.
Is HdInputAdmin a Virus?
Browsers affected by HdInputAdmin adware program may be forced to load lots of suspicious ads:
- Pop-ups,
- Video,
- Pop-unders,
- Images,
- Banners,
- In-text links,
- Fake notifications, etc.
The affected browser could become sluggish or completely unresponsive. The further bad news is that some of the ads delivered by HdInputAdmin adware may redirect you to poorly secured or corrupted websites. This issue, in turn, may lead to a load of sites that endanger the overall Mac security.
If you focus on the immediate removal of HdInputAdmin adware from your Mac, you can prevent some serious security issues.
How to Remove HdInputAdmin from Mac
In order to remove HdInputAdmin adware along with all associated files installed on the system, you should follow several removal steps. The guide below reveals all removal steps in their precise order.
You could follow either manual or automatic removal steps. In order to fully get rid of all present undesired programs and improve macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. We will be glad to get in touch with you
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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 HdInputAdmin files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as HdInputAdmin, 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 HdInputAdmin 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 HdInputAdmin:
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 HdInputAdmin. 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 HdInputAdmin. 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 HdInputAdmin 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 HdInputAdmin. 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 HdInputAdmin – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
HdInputAdmin-FAQ
What is HdInputAdmin on your Mac?
The HdInputAdmin 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 HdInputAdmin?
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 HdInputAdmin?
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 HdInputAdmin Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HdInputAdmin 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 HdInputAdmin?
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 HdInputAdmin threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.