What Is WebKey Mac
WebKey is the name of ad-supported software, whose main goal is to get users to see various forms of ads on their Mac after they have had their web browsers heavily modified by it. The problem with this software is it is generally made to make a profit to its developers by taking advantage of pay-per-click and other forms of schemes of this type. The main issue this creates is those ads could often take you to dangerous domains, like malware or scam sites as most of the ads shown by WebKey are displayed to make money and are often unverified and unchecked.
Read this article to learn more about WebKey and how to remove it effectively from your Mac.
WebKey Summary
| Name | WebKey |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP / Scam Redirect |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your computer. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Device Has Been Affected by WebKey Adware
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WebKey Adware. |
WebKey Mac Redirect What Does It Do
WebKey is classified as an ad-supported software for Mac and just like other apps similar to it, such as SearchBrowserSky, FlexibleSector and SearchWebMesh, it may also end up on your Mac without your knowledge or consent The ways via which this software can affect your Mac are several:
- By being automatically bundled.
- If you have added it from some suspicious site advertising it via pop-up to include it.
- If it has been automatically installed by some other adware you already have on your Mac.
In case WebKey has been bundled together with other apps, there is a chance it could be concealed from you by being included in some other third-party apps’ installers, where it could exist in either the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation mode. WebKey is the type of application that may be advertised there as a “free extra”, just in case you happen to click on this install mode.
When WebKey is already installed on your Mac, it could begin to modify certain aspects of your browser. These modifications may include adding browser extensions or other such questionable activity.
WebKey may also use trackers on your Mac that help it collect information concerning your online browsing activities. Such information does include the followoing:
- Which pages you have visited.
- Sites that you have bookmarked on your computer.
- The history of your web browser.
- Where you click online and your mouse movement.
This information is often collected via the following tracking objects dropped as small files directly on your Mac:
- Pixels.
- Cookies.
- Tags.
- Geo-locators.
- LSOs (or Flash Cookies).
The main ads that this software may slither on your Mac as a result of all of these activities are most often of the following types:
- Ad-supported results when you search something.
- Pop-up ads.
- Redirect adverts.
- Text ads, highlgihted on the sites you visit.
- Banner ads.
- Push notification pop-ups.
These ads may not only slow your Mac down, but could also lead to very dangerous sites, like:
- Phishing domains.
- Scammer websites.
- Domains that may have viruses.
- Fraudulent tech support scams.
- Fake software download URLs.
- Redirect loop schemes of long URLs.
- Fake survey scams.
This is the main reason, why programs, like WebKey are considered to be indirectly harmful for your macOS and the information in it and should be removed from it right-away.
Remove WebKey from Your Device
WebKey is the kind of program, that has been set up in a way that modifies your web browser and your Mac as well. This application can be removed from your computer if you follow the removal guide that has been posted beneath this article. It has been created with the main idea to best help detect and delete any malware that might currently be on your computer and your browsers. Furthermore, be advised that the best way to remove WebKey is to do it automatically, preferably by scanning your Mac using anti-malware software. Such a program is often recommended by security professionals as it may exist to best assist in automatically detecting and removing any malware from your Mac automatically by scanning for all of its files and objects.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and 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 WebKey Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
WebKey Adware-FAQ
What is WebKey Adware on your Mac?
The WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WebKey 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 WebKey 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 WebKey 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.