What Is ChannelParameter Mac
ChannelParameter name of an application for Mac that has been the reason for several types of reports of users seeing various kinds of ads appearing on their browsers. Such an application aims to monetize its developers by showing you paid ads that are included in pay-per-click schemes. This may open up your Mac to several different risks, like redirecting it to dangerous websites, such as scams or even malware ones. This is why the software has been classified as indirectly dangerous for your computer and should be removed from it immediately.
Read this article to learn more about how ChannelParameter works and how to remove it from your machine.
ChannelParameter Summary
| Name | ChannelParameter |
| 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 |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ChannelParameter. |
ChannelParameter – What Does It Do?
ChannelParameter a typical ad-supported program that can appear on Mac. Judging by its name and its app icon, we do believe that it has something to do with series of applications from which are the recently detected
ProcessField, KeyData and BeyondLaunch. The adware family that is behind these apps and probably is the reason why they all start suddenly appearing is known as AdLoad.
As soon as the software enters your computer system, it may begin to modify the settings of its web browsers that are installed. This may include changing their new tab beach, homepage and other types of default search engines and extensions. This may result in the multiple types of ads showing up without your consent, like the following ones:
- Browser pop-ups.
- Banner promotions.
- Third-party transfers.
- Push notification pop-ups.
- Custom search result ads.
- Highlighted text links.
These programs typically end up being added on your Mac as a result of being automatically installed by visiting some type of a webpage containing a script. Another method by which they may end up on your Mac is by being bundled to other applications, like freeware apps download it from some software download websites.
Once already on your Mac, programs like ChannelParameter may perform different risky activities on your device, like tracking the following browsing activity using cookies and other types of trackers:
- Mouse movements and clicks.
- Websites that are bookmarked.
- Pages you have visited.
- Browsing history.
- Search history.
But the main risk that is involved with the software application, is that it may be used to redirect you to some risky websites, because it’s vendors do not care what types of content they advertise. The risky domains which you may land as a result of a browser redirect could be of the following kinds:
- Rogue software or scam software download URLs.
- Scam domains and pages.
- Multiple pay-per-click browser redirects that lead to dangerous sites.
- Scam survey pages.
- Phishing domains.
- Virus websites or malicious URLs.
- Fake tech support pages.
This is the main reason why the software has been classified as an indirect threat and should be removed from your Mac immediately.
Remove ChannelParameter from Your Mac
In order to best get rid of this software from your Mac, we recommend that you remove ChannelParameter preferably by following the instructions that have been posted in the guide delete this article. It has been created with the main idea to help you clean up your web browsers and your Mac from all of the components of this application. For maximum effectiveness, skilled professionals strongly recommend that you download and scan your Mac by using an anti-malware application. Such a security software has been created with the main idea to thoroughly check your Mac and get it rid of any pesky and malicious 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 ChannelParameter files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ChannelParameter, 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 ChannelParameter 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 ChannelParameter:
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 ChannelParameter. 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 ChannelParameter. 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 ChannelParameter 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 ChannelParameter. 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 ChannelParameter – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ChannelParameter-FAQ
What is ChannelParameter on your Mac?
The ChannelParameter 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 ChannelParameter?
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 ChannelParameter?
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 ChannelParameter Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ChannelParameter 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 ChannelParameter?
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 ChannelParameter threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.