This blog post has been created to help you identify and remove the BeeAware adware program from your computer and block ads, related to this unwanted program on it.
A new adware for Macs has started to bother users by displaying Update pop-ups, agreeing with which may cause a lot of issues. The adware calls itself BeeAware and it is reported to create a lot of files in the Mac Library and in addition to this allegedly obtain data from the attacked Mac’s. The main idea of this adware however is that it may aim to show different types of advertisements on compromised Macs. In order to remove the BeeAware adware from your Mac, we would recommend that you read this article completely.
Threat Summary
| Name | BeeWare Adware |
| Type | Adware for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to display deceitful Software Update pop-ups and show different ads on the Macs it has affected. |
| Symptoms | Various types of pop-ups, banners and other forms of advertisements may begin to appear on the victim’s Macs. |
| Distribution Method | Via software bundling, malware or advertised on various types of sites. |
| Detection Tool |
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BeeAware Adware – How Did I Get It
There are several methods which can be used to attack your computer with the BeeAware software. These methods are often done passively and are waiting for the user to fall victim to them.
One of the distribution ways is software bundling. This is basically the including of the BeeAware adware on your computer once you install another free app on your Mac. Right there, the BeeAware software may be advertised as a free extra or an optional offer to your current installation and this is how this app may have been added. It is very easy to miss bundled software, mainly because the Accept or Decline install steps are well hidden in the Custom or Advanced installation modes of the affected computer.
Another very widespread method which is used by this adware application to be spread is by the program being advertised on websites that have generally bad reputation. There, the software may often reside as being a free type of program, used to help the user out with their online browsing experience or contribute to their Mac usage in general. In reality however, this software may aim to decieve you into adding it and start to ask for permissions and updates to show ads.
BeeAware Adware – More Info
Once added on your Mac, the BeeAware may be displayed on your computer via a pop-up:
The pop-up has the following message:
Software Update
Update Required
A new version of BeeAware is now available. By clicking “OK” you agree to install BeeAware and to its privacy policy and license agreement. you may remove BeeAware at any time from the applications folder.
This update pop-up should not be trusted once you encounter it, since it may contain misleading purposes, such as only posing as update, while in reality, it may be a form of permission request from the BeeAware adware app to allow it to modify different aspects of your Mac, like add toolbars to your web browsers or use cookies and other tracking technologies.
Users who have detected the BeeAware adware and removed it, using anti-malware scanners have reportedtly detected the following files that were associated with this App:
→ Library/Application Support/runChmm
Library/LaunchAgents/com.updater.mcy.plist
Library/LaunchAgents/com.updater.watch.mcy.plist
In addition to this, the adware may display various types of advertisements, that may be of the following kinds:
- Banners.
- Pop-ups.
- Browser Redirects.
These ads may lead you to scamming or harmful websites for your Mac, which makes this app potentially unsafe and if you encounter its pop-ups, removal is strongly recommended.
Remove BeeAware App from Your Mac
If you want to remove the BeeAware App manually, we advise you to follow the manual removal steps from the article underneath. They have been created with the main goal to help you combine the information we have on BeeAware App above and then use it to remove this app. If however, you still see tons of ads and your Mac is performing slow, we would suggest what most cyber-security experts would and that is to automatically remove the BeeAware app from your Mac with the power of an advanced anti-malware tool. These types of programs aim to automatically scan for and remove apps, like BeeAware adware from your Mac and then will protect it against future invasive apps, like itself.
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 BeeWare Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
BeeWare Adware-FAQ
What is BeeWare Adware on your Mac?
The BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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 BeeWare 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.