What Is OuterSource?
OuterSource is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that employs diverse methods to distribute itself, often tricking users into inadvertently installing the application. These tactics frequently involve bundled software installers and deceptive software updates, which are spread through compromised web pages. Notably, the propagation of OuterSource is often achieved through familiar schemes employed by AdLoad variants, such as the utilization of the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scam.
What Is a Potentially Unwanted Program?
A Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) is a category of undesirable software that can be installed on a user’s system without their explicit consent. PUPs are often associated with adware since they engage in intrusive online activities, such as displaying pop-up ads and collecting personal information without the user’s knowledge or consent. PUPs commonly find their way onto computer systems through methods like bundling with free software downloaded from the internet. They may as well deceive users into downloading them or disguise themselves as legitimate files or programs using malicious code.
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OuterSource Details
| Name | OuterSource a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application / Mac Virus |
| 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 |
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What Does OuterSource Do?
OuterSource functions as both a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware, bombarding Mac users with an excessive amount of online advertisements. Once installed on a Mac, it modifies the settings of well-known browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari to display an increased number of ads. As a consequence, this can lead to a slowdown in Mac performance and speed, while also exposing users to potentially malicious web pages controlled by cybercriminals.
Furthermore, another troubling aspect of OuterSource’s activity on your device is the data collection. By employing various tracking technologies, the program seeks to gather sensitive data from affected browsers and transmit it to its servers. To prevent the display of bothersome ads and the collection of your sensitive data, it is crucial to promptly eliminate all related files from the affected browsers and the system.
Is OuterSource a Computer Virus?
While not classified as a typical computer virus, it is highly recommended to remove OuterSource from your Mac to ensure online security. The program can still pose risks due to its adware characteristics, potential unwanted program activities, and backdoor capabilities.
How to Safeguard My Mac from OuterSource?
To prevent the installation of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like StoreFlow and avoid falling victim to unwanted software, it is important to adopt safe online practices. Here are steps to safeguard your Mac:
- Avoid downloading programs from untrustworthy sources, including Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, and file-sharing sites.
- Carefully review and decline any hidden settings in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections during program installation to deselect most PUPs.
- Exercise caution when installing unfamiliar or unnecessary programs on your Mac.
- Stay vigilant for excessive or unusual Internet advertising, as these ads may be triggered by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read and understand the terms and conditions of use when installing programs to be aware of their functionalities and potential risks.
- Regularly review your installed software and uninstall any unnecessary or unfamiliar applications.
- Install reputable anti-malware software capable of detecting and removing potentially unwanted programs.
Remove OuterSource from Your Mac
To protect your Mac and thoroughly eliminate the OuterSource “virus” along with its associated files, diligently follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the removal guide. The guide offers both manual and automated methods to effectively eradicate the threat. By utilizing both approaches, you can ensure the safety of your Mac against potential future malicious attacks. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to leave a comment at the end of the removal guide.
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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 OuterSource files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OuterSource, 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 OuterSource 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 OuterSource:
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 OuterSource. 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 OuterSource. 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 OuterSource 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 OuterSource. 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 OuterSource – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OuterSource-FAQ
What is OuterSource on your Mac?
The OuterSource 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 OuterSource?
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 OuterSource?
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 OuterSource Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OuterSource 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 OuterSource?
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 OuterSource threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.