What is 1ClickPDF? Is it a virus? How to remove 1ClickPDF from your Mac?
1ClickPDF known also as 1 Click PDF is an app presented as a useful PDF converter which works directly from your browser. However, it is classified as a potentially undesired program of adware type. As a one, 1ClickPDF alters browser settings and starts generating annoying advertisements. In addition, it activates different tracking technologies to spy on your online behavior.
In the event that this undesired app has affected your Mac, we recommend you to follow our 1ClickPDF removal guide.
Threat Summary
Name | 1ClickPDF |
Type | Potentially Unwanted Program, Adware |
Short Description | Rogue application that affects your Mac without your knowledge. |
Symptoms | You see this program to load on each system start. Many annoying advertisements flood your browser. Main browser settings are altered. |
Distribution Method | Bundled packages; Freeware installers; Corrupted Web Pages |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss 1ClickPDF. |
1ClickPDF – Spread and Impact
Presumably 1ClickPDF should be a useful file converter that is designed to convert almost any file format to PDF. Contrary to the description given on its official website – one of the most comprehensive pdf converters, 1ClickPDF is classified as a potentially undesired program of adware type.
Being an adware 1ClickPDF is mostly spread via shady techniques that attempt to trick you into installing it without noticing its presence. Such techniques are software bundling, corrupted web pages, fake notifications for program updates, and others. They are all designed to hide the presence of 1ClickPDF so that you are more prone to give your consent for its installation.
To prevent such an annoying side effect, you should always select the Advanced/Custom configuration step while installing a desired app especially when it is a free one. In case you find some undesired apps there, you could opt-out of their installation and continue with the installation of the primary app.
Soon after the installation of 1ClickPDF on your Mac, you could notice significant changes in main browser settings. Affected could be the start page, the new tab page, and the default search engine.
Another issue that occurs after the installation of this rogue program is the collection of certain details of yours. Unfortunately, it could be recording a vast number of online activities that define your interests and browsing behavior. Data collection could be realized with the help of different tracking technologies such as cookies, web beacons, pixels, and others.
As for data records, they could be used for aggressive advertising campaigns target of which will be you and your device. Your browser may be flooded by lots of annoying ads, your browsing sessions may be interrupted by constant redirects to poorly secured and potentially dangerous web pages.
Remove 1ClickPDF from Your Mac
In order to remove the nasty program 1ClickPDF you need to delete all files associated with its presence on your Mac. Below you can find a complete the whole set of removal steps. Beware that a manual removal process requires advanced computer skills. So to avoid any irreversible mistakes while cleaning your Mac from 1ClickPDF it is recommended to use the help of a professional automatic malware removal tool.
Need additional help? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
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 1ClickPDF files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as 1ClickPDF, 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 1ClickPDF 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 1ClickPDF:
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 1ClickPDF. 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 1ClickPDF. 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 1ClickPDF 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 1ClickPDF. 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 1ClickPDF – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
1ClickPDF-FAQ
What is 1ClickPDF on your Mac?
The 1ClickPDF 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 1ClickPDF?
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 1ClickPDF?
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 1ClickPDF Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 1ClickPDF 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 1ClickPDF?
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 1ClickPDF threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.