What is CommonBrand App on Mac?
CommonBrand is a suspicious application that hijacks popular browsers for Mac. The sudden appearance of CommonBrand in the Applications list makes affected users believe that it is a virus or a virus related app. However, it is an adware program that aims to monetize its presence on your Mac by delivering various annoying ads and collecting data. As soon as, this adware loads on a Mac operating system, it accesses the settings of installed browsers where it applies certain changes. Then it starts generating various ads in affected browsers. Beware as the ads generated by CommonBrand may present misleading details in order to make you more prone to visit sponsored content.
Since apps of this type are primarily used for the data harvest and aggressive advertising, we recommend that you scan your macOS for any present harmful files as soon as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | CommonBrand adware |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable website that hijacks browsers installed on Mac to deliver ads. Probably supported by an adware or a browser hijacker. |
| Symptoms | Affected browser is inundated with lots of annoying ads. The browser loads slower than ususal. An unwanted program may start every time you start the system. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Redirects by Shady Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CommonBrand adware. |
CommonBrand Adware – Spreading Techniques and Impact
CommonBrand is a strange program that can appear in the Applications’ list of your Mac. Usually, potentially unwanted programs like CommonBrand get installed on your Mac without your knowledge. So in the event that your browser is affected by the CommonBrand virus, there is a possibility that you have installed this adware inadvertently. This issue may have happened during the installation of a desired app (probably free one) or during regular web browsing.
To prevent the unnoticed installation of undesired apps, you should download and install apps from trusted and legitimate sources only. Additionally, you should always perform an Advanced/Custom installation process because oftentimes the information about added “extra offers”, undesired apps, in other words, is listed under this configuration step.
The moment such a deceptive app gets installed on a Mac system, it can access installed browsers and alter some main of their main setting including preferences like homepages, new tab pages, and default search engines. To become able to generate annoying CommonBrand browser redirects as well as other types of online ads, the undesired program may install a browser extension. Since CommonBrand is known to be used for the realization of shady advertising campaigns, it is likely to deliver lots of annoying ads in all browsers it has affected.
The ads generated by the so-called CommonBrand virus on Mac may be related to suspicious or even hacked web pages. In the event that you load such a page in your browser, you may let it trigger an unnoticed download process of some kind of malicious software on your Mac.
Another issue that may occur after CommonBrand adware is started on your Mac and on web browsers like Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc. is unsolicited data collection from both affected browser and system. Potentially undesired apps used for the realization of shady advertising campaigns are usually designed to activate different tracking technologies. Then they can obtain various details that define your online interests.
Data records are likely to be used for the configuration of aggressive advertising campaigns that flood the affected browser with lots of annoying advertisements (pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, in-text links, redirects, images, etc.)
Security experts advise affected users to remove CommonBrand and associated files from their affected Macs as soon as they detect their unwanted impact.
How to Get Rid of CommonBrand Adware on Mac
In order to remove CommonBrand adware along with all associated undesired programs, 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 CommonBrand 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 CommonBrand adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as CommonBrand adware, 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 CommonBrand adware 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 CommonBrand adware:
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 CommonBrand adware. 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 CommonBrand adware. 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 CommonBrand adware 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 CommonBrand adware. 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 CommonBrand adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
CommonBrand adware-FAQ
What is CommonBrand adware on your Mac?
The CommonBrand adware 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 CommonBrand adware?
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 CommonBrand adware?
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 CommonBrand adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CommonBrand adware 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 CommonBrand adware?
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 CommonBrand adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.