In this article, you will find more information about the dubious Group Source Mac app as well as how to remove it from an affected browser and system.
Group Source Mac Adware
Group Source is how a suspicious app on Mac is called. This app tends to land on macOS by being spread via shady methods. All these methods attempt to trick people into installing undesired apps on their Macs without noticing this process. The intrusive behavior of Group Source is typical for unwanted programs of adware-type. Once this program finds a way to trick you into starting it on your Mac, it alters main browser settings that let it deliver various ads. Like many other adware programs (QSearch, Interactive Speed, MainBoardSearch), Group Source aims to collect data from devices it affects. Hence, such an app poses serious danger to both your online security and privacy. We recommend that affected you remove this undesired app from your Mac system as soon as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | Group Source adware |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that infects Mac operating systems by applying certain modifications to browsers’ settings. Afterward, the program starts generating lots of ads and sponsored content in the affected browsers. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start automatically every time the affected system is started. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Group Source adware. |
Group Source
Group Source also spelled as GroupSource is a troublesome application that affects Mac operating systems. Its primary goal is to generate revenue for its developers by delivering intrusive advertisements. So the moment, this program finds a way to your Mac it will alter some of the main settings of your installed browsers and probably install a dubious browser extension. The program may also be configured to adjust the settings of the browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine in order to push a hoax search engine like SearchMine.net
Sometimes apps like Group Source change main browser preferences by setting the browser to redirect your sessions to legitimate search engines like Yahoo and Bing. On the one hand, this issue may be very annoying as your preferred search engine may be Google or DuckDuck Go or another one. On the other hand, your online activities will no longer be private enough as the undesired program will be spying on your:
- Browsing history.
- Clicks on links.
- Search queries.
- Clicks on ads.
- Visited websites.
- And other technical details.
One of the main reasons why adware apps like GroupSource collect data from Macs they affect is better ad targeting. Since developers who create adware aim to deliver ads in order to earn money, they want to understand more about your online interests. That’s why their nasty software activates various tracking technologies on your affected device.
Soon after Group Source gets installed on your Mac, it starts generating ads that are related to poorly secured websites and scam pages. Hence, the ads displayed by Group Source may open corrupted websites with misleading offers and rogue/malicious software. The advertisements may be of the following types:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
Beware with all those ads and websites because they may expose the operating system at risk of serious malware infections. Better refrain from visiting questionable sponsored content.
Like other potentially unwanted programs for Mac Group Source program tends to land on Mac operating systems without users’ knowledge and permission. In fact, it is spread via shady techniques like software packages, malicious advertising, and hacked websites. The primary method via which unwanted software tends to be distributed is bundling. This means that you could encounter these programs in the installers of other free programs, where they could be advertised in one of the installation steps as “free extra” or “optional offer”.
Security experts advise users whose systems are affected by Group Source to remove this adware program from their computer systems as soon as possible.
How to Remove Group Source Adware
In order to remove Group Source adware along with all entries it created on 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 operating system security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual Group Source adware 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 Group Source adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Group Source adware-FAQ
What is Group Source adware on your Mac?
The Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Group Source 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 Group Source 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 Group Source 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.