What Is AdStealer Trojan?
The AdStealer Trojan is a harmful program developed to attack Apple Mac devices. It is used against users worldwide. How it infects macOS is via vulnerabilities and other popular propagation methods.
The AdStealer Mac Trojan is a nasty software that endangers your online security after it obtains access to a macOS. The bad news is that it is a complicated program which may run on your Mac without you noticing it for a long time. Once started on a target system, the Trojan can perform a set of malicious operations that endanger the overall system security.
Programs like AdStealer are developed to support various hacking activities. Trojans may sometimes install additional malware, establish a remote connection to hackers’ servers, obtain data, and apply other changes that disrupt system security.
Make sure to check this removal guide out in the event that you notice your Mac performing strangely.
AdStealer Trojan Summary
| Names | AdStealer also known as Trojan.MacOS.AdStealer.E |
| Type | Trojan for MacOS |
| Quick Description | Aims to slither on your Mac undetected and perform series of malcious activities. |
| Symptoms | There may be no evident symptoms as the program is developed to act without being detected. |
| Distribution Method | Malware, Malspam, Compromised websites, Fake Flash Player Updates |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
SpyHunter for Mac
Malware Removal Tool
|
AdStealer Trojan – More Information
AdStealer detected as Trojan.MacOS.AdStealer.E by SpyHunter for Mac is a troublesome program that stealthily invades Mac operating systems and disrupts their security. Similar to another Trojan for Mac – the Careto Trojan, AdStealer can seriously damage an infected macOS.
The virus has been released in the wild and now it is lurking actively trying to infect as many Mac devices as possible. It may present itself as a fake Flash Player update, as a supposedly useful free app, or as an urgent email.
Its access to a macOS enables it to establish a few malicious files that may compromise both the system and the network. Since it aims to remain undetected for as long as possible, you may spot it after it has successfully corrupted important settings. One way to catch this threat is to notice that some of the installed programs do not run correctly.
Regarding the worst impact AdStealer Trojan virus can cause to your Mac, it will be the installation of additional malware on the system. Since the added malware can be of any kind, your device may be hit by ransomware, spyware, another Trojan, adware, etc.
Its presence on the system may serve hackers for data theft as well. They can steal sensitive credentials, encode personal data or delete important information. Beware of AdStealer Trojan for Mac. It is a nasty threat that could barely be detected. We recommend making use of advanced security tools for its complete removal. Otherwise, some elements installed by AdStealer Mac Trojan may remain on your Mac.
Remove AdStealer Trojan from Mac
To get rid of AdStealer Trojan and all associated files that enable it to perform different malicious activities, you should locate, isolate and uninstall these malicious files. The guide below reveals all removal steps in their precise removal order. You could choose from manual or automatic removal. If you want to make sure that it’s gone from your Mac, you could remove the threat by using a professional anti-malware tool. Keeping a current anti-malware program on a macOS guarantees that the system will be protected against future malware attacks as well.
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 AdStealer Trojan files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as AdStealer Trojan, 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 AdStealer Trojan 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 AdStealer Trojan:
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 AdStealer Trojan. 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 AdStealer Trojan. 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 AdStealer Trojan 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 AdStealer Trojan. 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 AdStealer Trojan – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
AdStealer Trojan-FAQ
What is AdStealer Trojan on your Mac?
The AdStealer Trojan 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 AdStealer Trojan?
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 AdStealer Trojan?
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 AdStealer Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AdStealer Trojan 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 AdStealer Trojan?
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 AdStealer Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.