What Is ExpandedOrigin?
ExpandedOrigin is a malicious form of adware from the AdLoad family of Mac threats. ExpandedOrigin can lead to the display of unwanted advertisements, redirecting you to malicious websites, the installation of additional adware or spyware, and even cause your Mac to run slower.
To avoid infection, it is best to only download software from reliable sources and to avoid clicking on any dubious pop-up windows, such as fake Adobe Flash player updates. These are the primary method of distributing AdLoad variants.
What Is AdLoad?
Adload is a type of Trojan that can open a backdoor on an infected system and install adware and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) without the user’s knowledge. AdLoad is an entire family of Mac threats with new variants such as ExpandedOrigin constantly being released in the wild.
ExpandedOrigin Details
| Name | ExpandedOrigin a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | A program that delivers lots of annoying advertisements in browsers it affects. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns could occur due to increased number of ads generated by the adware. Sensitive detials could be obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
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How Did I Get ExpandedOrigin Installed on My Mac?
ExpandedOrigin can infiltrate your Mac in a number of different ways. It can often be found as part of free software packages, hidden during the installation process. It can also be installed through malicious webpages or links that lead you to an unsafe site. Furthermore, it can be spread through emails, attachments, and other online platforms.
Most of these distribution mechanisms aim to trick you into installing the program without considering the side effects. For the purpose of achieving this goal, bundled software installers are used as well as fake software updates delivered over compromised web pages. An example of a fake update scheme widely adopted by AdLoad variants is the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scam. Other similar, recently detected applications that also belong to AdLoad include IdentityStack and MomentTech.
What Does ExpandedOrigin Do?
Being an adware program, ExpandedOrigin is primarily designed to show as much online advertisements as possible. Once started on your Mac, the adware could initiate several modifications of browser settings that will enable the generation of vast number of questionable advertisements. The program may be set to affect the settings of all commonly used web browsers including Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
These ads could pose a serious risk to your Mac. On one hand, they could make your browser sluggish which in turn could diminish significantly your browsing experience. On the other hand, some of them could be set to land you on poorly secured web pages compromised by hackers.
Another issue that may occur while ExpandedOrigin is running on your device is data harvesting. With the help of various tracking technologies, the program could attempt to obtain sensitive data from your affected browsers and then send it to its servers. If you want to prevent this adware program from displaying annoying ads and collecting sensitive data of yours, you need to remove all associated files from affected browsers and system as soon as possible.
Is ExpandedOrigin a Computer Virus?
It is essential to remove ExpandedOrigin from your Mac in order to protect your online security. Even though it is not a traditional computer virus, it still poses a threat due to its adware and potentially unwanted program behavior, as well as its backdoor capabilities.
Is ExpandedOrigin Dangerous?
ExpandedOrigin can be considered a dangerous program due to its persistent nature and the issues it can cause on a Mac. It is known to install a persistence agent in the Library LaunchAgents folder, making it difficult to remove completely. As such, a specific technical approach is required to completely eliminate the adware from the machine.
How to Protect My Mac from ExpandedOrigin?
As annoying a PUP or adware can be, its installation can be avoided easily by building user vigilance. Here are a few easy steps you can take to avoid installing PUPs and becoming a victim of unwanted programs such as ExpandedOrigin:
- Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
- Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
- Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
Remove ExpandedOrigin from Your Mac
In order to remove the ExpandedOrigin Mac “virus” and all associated files from your Mac, you should complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined could help you to secure your device and keep it safe from future attacks. In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below the article.
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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 ExpandedOrigin files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ExpandedOrigin, 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 ExpandedOrigin 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 ExpandedOrigin:
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 ExpandedOrigin. 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 ExpandedOrigin. 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 ExpandedOrigin 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 ExpandedOrigin. 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 ExpandedOrigin – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ExpandedOrigin-FAQ
What is ExpandedOrigin on your Mac?
The ExpandedOrigin 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 ExpandedOrigin?
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 ExpandedOrigin?
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 ExpandedOrigin Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ExpandedOrigin 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 ExpandedOrigin?
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 ExpandedOrigin threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.