What Is Atom.app Will Damage Mac?
A warning message that may appear on macOS, stating “Mac File Opener will damage your computer”, can be a result of either a legitimate application or a potentially unwanted program. To be certain that the message does not pose any threat to your device, it is advised to read this article thoroughly. Scammers are known to exploit the trustworthiness of companies to make users think there is something wrong with their computer. Therefore, we suggest scanning your macOS for any signs of malicious software.
Atom.app Summary
| Name | Atom.app |
| Type | Mac Virus |
| Short Description | The UpdateAgent message appearing means that this error message could be the consequence of some type of Malware added on your Mac. |
| Symptoms | A pop-up appears, stating “UpdateAgent will damage your computer”. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Device Has Been Affected by Atom.app
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Atom.app. |
What Is a Mac Virus?
A Mac virus is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to damage or disrupt a computer running the Mac operating system. It can spread from one computer to another, or from an infected website or email attachment. Mac viruses often do the same kinds of things as viruses that affect Windows-based computers, such as stealing private information, corrupting data, and slowing down performance. Unlike Windows-based viruses, however, Mac viruses are much less common. This is because Mac computers are not as widely used and are also more secure, making them less of a target for malicious hackers.
Atom.app Virus – How Did I Get Infected
Obtrusive pop-ups are often the result of questionable domains. There may be several dubious domains driving the swindle. Additionally, the pop-up may have been initiated by a potentially hazardous application (PUA) that entered your computer without your cognizance. Earlier occurrences of “will damage your computer” messages have been linked to unwanted apps, like adware and PUPs.
If you are careful and select the Advanced or Custom option during the installation process, you can prevent the unwanted installation of such app, which is often distributed via freeware installers and bundled packages without disclosing all of the components included.
Atom.app Mac – What Does It Do?
Atom.app is a malicious software, sometimes referred to as a virus, which is known for stealing data and information. It can also facilitate other malicious activities, such as the use of a Bitcoin Miner on a Mac computer, or other data-gathering operations.
The main pop-up the victims of this malware may see can appear like the following:
This threat may also use different types of cookies plus other tracking objects which may collect data, like:
- IP and Mac addresses.
- Your mouse movements.
- The browsing history from your browser.
- What searches you have made.
- Your bookmarked websites.
- What you have visited.
- Your mouse clicks.
- Different personally identifiable information you may type.
Is Atom.app a Mac Virus?
Apps that contain Adware are not categorized as computer viruses, but they are known to lead users to dubious websites. Interacting with content such as “Atom.app will damage your computer” may result in unknowingly installing an unwanted app or a browser hijacker. If your homepage and new tab page have been modified without your authorization, there is a chance that your browser has been hijacked.
Can Atom.app Be Dangerous?
Yes. If this is an imitator app of the original and legitimate Atom app, it may lead to unsafe websites and other risky domains, like:
- Survey sites that are fraud.
- Phishing pages.
- Rogue software download sites.
- Tech support fraud pages.
- URLs, containing a virus infection file or script.
- Web pages that contain scams.
- Redirects to dangerous sites via multiple pay-per-click redirects.
How to Protect Your Mac from Malware?
To protect your Mac from this and other malware, we recommend the following tips:
- Make sure this app is fully removed using professional software.
- Change all your passwords from a safe device.
- Enable two-factor logins.
- Call your bank to change all credit card information if you use your Mac for online payments.
- Change your Wi-Fi password.
- Install a reputable anti-malware protection app on all your devices.
- Do not download apps from unknown sources.
How to Remove Atom.app from Mac?
To delete Atom.app and all its related components, follow the removal steps outlined below. Both manual and automatic removal methods are provided. For optimal results, we suggest combining the two. Manual removal may be difficult and require a certain level of technical knowledge, so if you don’t feel comfortable, you can always opt for the automatic removal option.
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.
Follow Me:
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 Atom.app files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Atom.app, 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 Atom.app 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 Atom.app:
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 Atom.app. 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 Atom.app. 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 Atom.app 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 Atom.app. 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 Atom.app – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Atom.app-FAQ
What is Atom.app on your Mac?
The Atom.app 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 Atom.app?
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 Atom.app?
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 Atom.app Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Atom.app 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 Atom.app?
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 Atom.app threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.