ActiveSource Mac Adware Removal

What Is the ActiveSource Mac App on Mac?

ActiveSource is a potentially unwanted program designed to specifically target Mac users. The application belongs to the AdLoad malware family, known to cause pop-up ads and browser redirects. For these to appear, the ActiveSource application tampers with system settings, adding a persistent agent to the affected macOS.

AdLoad on Mac

Security researchers have detected thousands of IP addresses acting as proxy exit nodes in a way resembling how AdLoad affects systems. In other words, this could mean that thousands of Mac systems have been turned into proxy exit nodes.

AdLoad variants such as ActiveSource could also act as a bundleware loader. Previous reports from SentinelOne in 2021 and Microsoft in 2022 highlighted that AdLoad has turned into a very persistent threat. According to Microsoft’s analysis of UpdateAgent, a malware responsible for distributing AdLoad via drive-by downloads, AdLoad manipulates user traffic by rerouting it through the adware operators’ servers. This technique allows the attackers to inject advertisements and promotions into web pages and search results, employing a Person-in-The-Middle (PiTM) strategy to intercept and alter the content.

ActiveSource Installation

ActiveSource is most likely distributed via bundled software installers and fake software updates (e.g. Adobe Flash Player is out of date). You may have downloaded a free program from the web which was bundled with ActiveSource. Such additional, hidden downloads are often the culprit for the installation of potentially unwanted programs and adware.

These applications usually sneak into your Mac through third-party websites, not the official Apple App Store. Marketed as useful, they may not be as legitimate as they seem. Another distribution method used by AdLoad is through additional installations alongside recent setups. In the installer of a free app, an AdLoad variant such as ActiveSource may be promoted as an “optional deal” or a “free added.”

While the application may appear beneficial at first, it can tamper with your Mac’s permissions and alter browser settings for Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Opera. These changes are done so that AdLoad can display various types of ads, including pop-ups, browser redirect ads, banners, and push notifications.

What Is the Purpose of ActiveSource?

In most cases, the end goal of programs such as ActiveSource is data collection and hijacking browser sessions by imposing ads on users.

Such programs may also open a backdoor which might be used to drop additional adware or even malware. To sum it up, the program can be used in various malicious scenarios, depending on the hackers’ current agenda and campaign.

Is ActiveSource Dangerous?

The presence of ActiveSource significantly impairs the browsing experience and increases the risk of further infections. Adware applications deliver advertisements (e.g., coupons, banners, pop-ups) that can redirect to malicious websites or install other unwanted apps through scripts.

Clicking on these ads can trigger the installation of infectious apps. Moreover, these adware apps collect user information like IP addresses, visited website URLs, search queries, and other details, which are then shared with third parties, potentially leading to privacy issues or identity theft.

How to Protect My Mac from ActiveSource?

It’s easy to prevent the installation of such dangerous programs by following these tips:

• 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 ActiveSource from Your Mac

In order to remove the ActiveSource adware and all its malicious 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. Considering the malicious nature of the threat, the utilization of an anti-malware program is highly recommended.

Milena Dimitrova

An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim

More Posts

Follow Me:

• Windows
• Mac OS X
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari
• Internet Explorer
• Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove ActiveSource from Windows.

---

Step 1: Scan for ActiveSource with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1.1 Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

---

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

---

1.2 After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

---

1.3 After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

---

1.4 After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

---

Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

2.1 Hold Windows key + R

---

2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

---

2.3 Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

---

2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

---

2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

---

Step 3: Uninstall ActiveSource and related software from Windows

Uninstall Steps for Windows 11

1 Go to the search bar and type "Add or Remove Programs" and then click it.

2 Locate the software that you want to uninstall click on the three dots and click "Uninstall" to begin the process.

3 Follow the uninstall steps until the software has been effectively removed from your computer

Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

---

1 Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

---

2 In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

---

3 This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall" Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

---

Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by ActiveSource on Your PC.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by ActiveSource there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

---

4.2 When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

---

4.3 You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

---

Video Removal Guide for ActiveSource (Windows).

---

Get rid of ActiveSource from Mac OS X.

---

Step 1: Uninstall ActiveSource and remove related files and objects

1.1 Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

---

1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

---

1.3 In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to ActiveSource:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

---

1.4 Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

---

1.5 In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to ActiveSource. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

---

1.6 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 ActiveSource. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

---

1.7 Remove any left-over 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 ActiveSource 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

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 ActiveSource. 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 2: Scan for and remove ActiveSource files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ActiveSource, 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.

---

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for ActiveSource:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

---

Video Removal Guide for ActiveSource (Mac)

---

Remove ActiveSource from Google Chrome.

---

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

---

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

---

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

---

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

---

Erase ActiveSource from Mozilla Firefox.

---

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:

---

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

---

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

---

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

---

Uninstall ActiveSource from Microsoft Edge.

---

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

---

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

---

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

---

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

---

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

---

Remove ActiveSource from Safari

---

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

---

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

---

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

---

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

---

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

---

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the ActiveSource will be removed.

---

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Eliminate ActiveSource from Internet Explorer.

---

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

---

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

---

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

---

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

---

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.

Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers

---

Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome

To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.

Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:

Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:

Step 4: Open “Notifications”:

Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:

Remove Push Notifications on Firefox

Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.

Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":

Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”

Stop Push Notifications on Opera

Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.

Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.

Step 3: Open Notifications:

Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):

Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.

Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".

ActiveSource-FAQ

What Is ActiveSource?

The ActiveSource threat is adware or browser redirect virus.

It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.

The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.

What Are the Symptoms of ActiveSource?

There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:

Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.

Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.

Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.

Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.

Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.

If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.

What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?

According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.

What to Do If I Have a "virus" like ActiveSource?

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 email 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 activities 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 recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.

How Does ActiveSource Work?

Once installed, ActiveSource can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.

ActiveSource can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.

Is ActiveSource Malware?

The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.

Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.

About the ActiveSource Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ActiveSource how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.

How did we conduct the research on ActiveSource?

Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the ActiveSource threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.