What Is ArcadeFrontier
ArcadeFrontier is the name of an application for Mac that is regarded as indirectly risky software and may create multiple problems for your Mac. The main idea of this software is to make a profit based on the advertisements it may display on your Mac. These advertisements’ main purpose of the activity is to monetize the developers of ArcadeFrontier by pay-per-click and other schemes. And since often these adware applications remain unchecked on your Mac, it is strongly recommended that you remove this software from your Mac as the ads it may show could lead to various unwanted websites, scams, etc.
Read this article to learn how to remove ArcadeFrontier from your Mac effectively.
ArcadeFrontier Summary
| Name | ArcadeFrontier |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP for Mac |
| 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 |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ArcadeFrontier. |
ArcadeFrontier Mac Redirect Activity Report
ArcadeFrontier is the name of a program for Mac that has been the reason of multiple different reports of showing a lot of ads, such as:
- Web banners.
- Push promotion pop-ups.
- Browser pop-up ads.
- Third-party site redirects.
- Ads that show up instead of search results.
- Highlighted text ads.
ArcadeFrontier may be spread on your Mac in a similar way to other ad-supported software, like itself, such as Skilled Marketing, Modern Browser Tools and other Mac adware. This technique is known as software bundling and it works in a way that this software may be included as a free extra or an optional offer in one of the install steps of other free software randomly downloaded from the web.
Once ArcadeFrontier is added to your Mac, it may begin to modify its web browser settings including change its home and new tab web pages. The outcome of this is that ArcadeFrontier may begin to cause multiple different trackers to be set on your Mac as a result of the ads it shows. These trackers may be responsible for the following information being obtained from your Mac:
- Which pages you have visited.
- Your browsing history.
- Your search history.
- Where you have clicked online and what your mouse movements are.
- Sites that are bookmarked.
But tracking what you do is the least of your worries when it comes to this app. Having it, means that often the ads it shows for profit remain unverified. This means that you could end up visiting several dangerous sites as a result of those ads, such as:
- Fraud websites.
- Fake software download sites.
- Endless redirect schemes.
- Fake surveys.
- Fake or phishing sites.
- Viruses and other malware.
- Fake tech support scams.
This is the main problem with the software, like ArcadeFrontier and this is why experts often advise removing it.
Remove ArcadeFrontier from Your Mac
ArcadeFrontier is the type of app that may be a bit problematic in terms of removal. The guide that has been created below is made with the main idea to help you remove ArcadeFrontier from your Mac either by yourself or via other kinds of methods. For the best removal of ArcadeFrontier from your browsers and Mac, it is highly suggested that you get rid of ArcadeFrontier preferably by scanning your Mac using advanced anti-malware software. Such a professional tool has been created to thoroughly scan your Mac and get it rid of any adware, malware and other unwanted software.
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 ArcadeFrontier files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ArcadeFrontier, 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 ArcadeFrontier 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 ArcadeFrontier:
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 ArcadeFrontier. 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 ArcadeFrontier. 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 ArcadeFrontier 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 ArcadeFrontier. 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 ArcadeFrontier – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ArcadeFrontier-FAQ
What is ArcadeFrontier on your Mac?
The ArcadeFrontier 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 ArcadeFrontier?
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 ArcadeFrontier?
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 ArcadeFrontier Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ArcadeFrontier 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 ArcadeFrontier?
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 ArcadeFrontier threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.