What Is NetDivision on Mac?
NetDivision is an application that runs on macOS to adjust settings and perform certain unwanted operations. It lowers the overall macOS security. In fact, anti-malware tools detect this app as a low-level type of threat. It is also classified as an adware which means that it may obtain access to target web browsers with the purpose to flood them with various kinds of advertisements or force them to redirect searches to Yahoo. The ads delivered by this adware could open dangerous websites.
Read this article to learn more information about NetDivision adware and see how to clean up your macOS and your web browsers from it.
NetDivision Mac – Details
| Name | NetDivision |
| Type | Adware, PUP, Redirect for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your device begins to display various types of online advertisements. It starts to run slower. The overall system security is lowered. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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NetDivision Adware – How Did I Get Infected?
NetDivision adware is program that is part of a big family of threats for Mac called AdLoad. Other recently discovered applications that belong to the same family of apps are .
In order to trick you to install it on your Mac, the adware may present itself as a fake Adobe Flash Player update. Typically, redirect pages like the one shown below host the installation files of potentially unwanted and rogue apps:
NetDivision adware could’ve landed on your Mac without your knowledge. Recent installation of another free application might have activated the program on your machine. You might have downloaded a free app from a third-party website that was set to install additional programs. Right below you can see an example:
NetDivision – What Does It Do?
When NetDivision obtains access to a macOS, it activates a few processes that modify system settings. Then it tries to obtain access to installed web browsers and alter settings there. Afterwards, the adware may begin to display advertisements of all kinds. Mainly adverts of the the following types are shown by ad-supported programs:
- Redirects.
- Pop-ups with video and/or sound.
- Changed search results to show ads instead of relevant sites.
- Highlighted text on the pages you visit.
- Intrusive push notifications.
- Interruptive banner ads.
The adware could be set to also use various forms of trackers like cookies to harvest data.
Trackers dropped by the adware can keep harvesting data from your Mac for years. You cannot notice them if you do not try to locate them. The information they collect tends to reveal some online actions and interests. So once NetDivision’s developers obtain data records, they can launch target advertising campaigns against affected users. The following information could be gathered from your Mac without you even realizing it:
- Your mouse movements.
- IP and Mac addresses.
- Your mouse clicks.
- What you have visited.
- The browsing history from your browser.
- What searches you have made.
- Your bookmarked websites.
Is NetDivision a Virus?
No, NetDivision is not a virus. It won’t spread accross the whole network. But this program may be just as dangerous as a malicous program. Some of the advertisements it displays could open websites that endanger your device. Here is the list of sites that could appear as a result of an active adware:
- Rogue software sites.
- Web pages that contain scams.
- Redirects to dangerous sites via multiple pay-per-click redirects.
- Survey sites that are fraud.
- Phishing pages.
- URLs, containing a virus infection file or script.
- Tech support fraud pages.
These are the main problems that make the software indirectly risky for your Mac and its removal is strongly recommended.
How to Remove NetDivision from Mac?
To get rid of NetDivision completely from your Mac, we would suggest that you take a look at the removal manual below. It has been made to have all of the steps that you need to take care of the street from your web browsers and your Mac. For the most effective removal, more security professionals would recommend scanning your device using anti-malware for Mac. Such a program is specifically created to perform a thorough check of your device and get it rid of any malware automatically.
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 NetDivision files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as NetDivision, 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 NetDivision 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 NetDivision:
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 NetDivision. 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 NetDivision. 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 NetDivision 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 NetDivision. 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 NetDivision – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
NetDivision-FAQ
What is NetDivision on your Mac?
The NetDivision 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 NetDivision?
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 NetDivision?
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 NetDivision Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NetDivision 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 NetDivision?
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 NetDivision threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.