What is TaskBrowser? Is it a virus? How to remove TaskBrowser from your Mac?
TaskBrowser Adware
TaskBrowser is presented as a useful tool that enables you to schedule tasks in your browser. TaskBrowser has the strange behavior to appear on Mac operating system without users’ knowledge. That’s why it is classified as a potentially undesired program. The program is known to act like typical adware. Soon after it starts on your Mac, it will apply certain operations that affect installed browsers. Afterward, it will start generating annoying ads while you’re browsing the web. Another issue that may occur as a result of the unnoticed activation of TaskBrowser on your macOS is data collection. Adware programs usually activate different tracking technologies to harvest details about users’ online behavior.
In the event that this undesired app has affected your Mac, we recommend you to follow our TaskBrowser removal guide.
Threat Summary
| Name | TaskBrowser |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program, Adware |
| Short Description | Rogue application that affects your Mac without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | You see the program in your Applications list. It loads every time you start the system. Many annoying advertisements flood your browser. Main browser preferences 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 TaskBrowser. |
TaskBrowser App on Mac – Spread and Impact
The TaskBrowser app is being spread via shady methods that attempt to trick you into installing it without noticing its presence. This process can happen with the help of software bundles, corrupted web pages, fake software update notifications, and other similar methods. To prevent installing potentially undesired programs like TaskBrowser you need to practice caution and choose wisely the sources that you download programs from.
Contrary to believes that TaskBrowser is a virus, it is an adware program that has the primary goal to monetize its presence on affected systems. For the purpose, it affects installed browsers and start delivering annoying ads. You can notice various types of ads generated by TaskBrowser adware while using the affected web browser. The ads may appear as pop-ups, banners, redirect pages, in-text links, images and so on.
Soon after the installation of TaskBrowser on your Mac, you could notice additional browser modifications. For example, the start page, the new tab page and the default search engine may be configured to display a hoax search engine. In the event that the program is causing redirects to search engines like Yahoo and Bing, then it may be considered as a browser hijacker as well.
Another issue TaskBrowser adware may cause is the collection of certain details from the affected browser and system. Unfortunately, this process may be initiated without your permission. Data collection is often realized via different tracking technologies such as cookies, web beacons, pixels and others. Once activated on your Mac, these technologies may start recording various details about your online interests and browsing behavior.
As of 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.
The owners of this undesired program may use data records to serve target ads directly in your affected browsers. The ads generated by TaskBrowser are likely to be very intrusive. Your browser may become sluggish.
The presence of TaskBrowser on your Mac may lead to some serious system security and privacy-related issues. To avoid all unpleasant issues that may come as a result of having this adware program on your Mac, navigate to the removal instructions below and get rid of this undesired and potentially harmful program.
How to Remove TaskBrowser from Affected Browser and macOS
In order to remove TaskBrowser along with all its entries from the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual TaskBrowser removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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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 TaskBrowser files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as TaskBrowser, 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 TaskBrowser 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 TaskBrowser:
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 TaskBrowser. 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 TaskBrowser. 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 TaskBrowser 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 TaskBrowser. 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 TaskBrowser – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
TaskBrowser-FAQ
What is TaskBrowser on your Mac?
The TaskBrowser 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 TaskBrowser?
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 TaskBrowser?
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 TaskBrowser Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TaskBrowser 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 TaskBrowser?
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 TaskBrowser threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.