Update August 2019. What is SelectMaker? Is SelectMaker a virus or is it safe? How to remove SelectMaker and it’s pop-ups?
The SelectMaker Mac “Virus” is a redirect which targets users worldwide aiming to infect as many victims as possible. It will pose as a legitimate tool for Apple’s operating system. It can be acquired through various methods and its main form as a hijacker which is a browser-based threat that aims to extract sensitive user data and change important settings. In most cases the MatchKnowledge infections will cause malicious redirects and other infections. Read this article to fully understand how you can remove MatchKnowledge from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | SelectMaker |
| Type | PUP/Hijacker for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to slither on your computer as a seemingly useful app, but in reality fills it with pesky ads and pop-ups. |
| Symptoms | Slow performance, a lot of ads and SelectMaker being installed as an extension or an app, that is difficult to delete. |
| Distribution Method | Likely via bundling or websites advertising it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SelectMaker. |
SelectMaker – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
SelectMaker is one of those browser hijacking apps for Mac. We have seen many like it over time, for example the weknow.ac virus, the Task Fresh adware, Safe Finder for Mac and many others.
The SelectMaker threat is a dangerous Mac redirect which can be installed via a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways is by uploading malicious web browser extensions which are uploaded to their relevant repositories using fake user reviews and developer identities. They will propose new features additions and performance optimization.
SelectMaker Mac “Virus” samples can also acquired via dangerous application installers and macro-infected documents. They are often found on scam sites and file-sharing networks. The phishing contents that is made by the hackers can be of two forms — mails and hacker-made sites. They are usually hosted on domain names that sound similar to well-known services and companies.
As soon as it is installed the SelectMaker Mac “Virus” will start to execute its intended malicious actions. As most of the infections originate from web browser plugins they will directly start to harvest the stored content: history, cookies, bookmarks, settings and stored credentials. These plugins can also lead to the virus execution such as the following:
- System Manipulation — The SelectMaker Mac “Virus” can be used to modify the settings of the operating system. This can install it as a persistent threat ans also lead to problems like data loss and unexpected errors.
- Browser Redirect — The SelectMaker Mac “Virus” can be programmed to change the settings of the web browsers in order to redirect the victims to a certain hacker-controlled page. It is used to present many intrusive advertising and also malicious scripts.
- Additional Payload Delivery — The threat can also be programmed to deploy other malware to the victim systems such as the following: miners, Trojans, redirects and etc.
At the moment it is not known whether or not the SelectMaker Mac “Virus” is being spread by an individual hacker or a criminal group. This leads us to believe that newer campaigns can include other mechanisms as well.
Remove SelectMaker from Your Mac
The SelectMaker app can be removed if you follow the removal instructions below. They have been made to help you uninstall this software step by step. For faster results and maximum effectiveness, we strongly recommend that you download a professional malware cleanup software. Such tool will not only save you a lot of manual removal time, but will also fully remove SelectMaker and secure your device.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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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 SelectMaker files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SelectMaker, 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 SelectMaker 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 SelectMaker:
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 SelectMaker. 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 SelectMaker. 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 SelectMaker 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 SelectMaker. 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 SelectMaker – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SelectMaker-FAQ
What is SelectMaker on your Mac?
The SelectMaker 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 SelectMaker?
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 SelectMaker?
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 SelectMaker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SelectMaker 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 SelectMaker?
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 SelectMaker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.