What Is ConfigType Mac?
In case you have the ConfigType software or the “ConfigType will damage your computer” pop-up message on your Mac, be advised that it could only seem like a legitimate app. In reality, this program is not a Mac virus, but a mere unwanted application. Still, the problems this app can cause are worth removing it from your Mac as fast as you can.
The main reason why ConfigType is considered a risky app for Mac is that once on your macOS, it may begin to display tons of different ads. These ads may lead to multiple risky websites, which may be even scam sites and virus links. Not only this, but ConfigType may also use multiple types of cookies and heavily modify your web browsers.
Read this article to learn more on how ConfigType works and how you can fully erase this nasty software from your Mac.
ConfigType Summary
| Name | ConfigType also known as “ConfigType will damage your computer”, ConfigTyped |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP |
| Removal Time | Less than 15 minutes |
| Detection Tool |
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Config Type Will Damage Your Computer
ConfigType is a potentially unwanted application, also referred to as a PUP. Several other apps of the same adware family (AdLoad) which we have seen recently on Mac are ProcessBrand, StandardProduct, ElementaryMethod.
All of these apps have something in common and that is how they get installed on your Mac. First, they may either be downloaded from suspicious websites or be bundled to the setup of another app. This bundling method means that the ConfigType also known as ConfigTyped app may be seen as a “bonus extra” or a “free app” that is advertised in one of the install steps of other apps that you could have recently downloaded. And it is easy to miss such apps from getting installed because they often lie hidden in the “Custom” install and many users choose the “Express” install options.
“ConfigTyped will damage your computer.”
This is the message you may see displayed on your Mac as a pop-up window. Be careful and better refrain from interacting with it. Being related to a potentially unwanted program that message may be misused for an unnoticed installation of additional undesired apps.
What Does It Do?
The ConfigType program may also be designed to change the home page, new tab page and other web pages of your web browser. The main idea is for you to see its ads. The more ads the people behind this program get you to see, the more profit they will make. The ads that may be shown by this program vary, but usually are the following types:
- Highlighted text ads.
- Banners.
- Pop-up ads.
- Browser redirects.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Push notifications.
ConfigType can use trackers to obtain information about your behavior. This will help increase the likelihood of you clicking on the ads it shows. Such trackers often end up being:
- LSOs.
- Pixels.
- Geo-locators.
- Tags.
- Cookies.
These trackers can be responsible for different types of unwanted activities on your Mac, such as obtaining the following information from it:
- Where you click.
- Your bookmarks.
- What sites you visit.
- Your browsing history.
But the main danger here is not that your information gets tracked. The main problem here that makes ConfigType indirectly dangerous for your Mac is that some of the ads may lead you to websites that can be risky. Such sites often end up being:
- Phishing sites.
- Scam sites.
- Redirects to virus links.
- Fraud Tech Support pages.
- Scam surveys.
This is the main risk that points out to removing ConfigType as soon as you can from your Mac.
Remove ConfigType from Mac
ConfigType can be removed effectively if you follow the removal guide underneath this article. It has been created with the main purpose to help erase the files of this app from your browsers and your computer. If you want the best removal method, experts advise running a scan of your Mac using advanced anti-malware software. Such a program has been created with the main purpose to detect and delete all malware and unwanted software from your machine and make it so that you do not experience issues in the future.
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 ConfigType files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ConfigType, 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 ConfigType 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 ConfigType:
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 ConfigType. 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 ConfigType. 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 ConfigType 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 ConfigType. 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 ConfigType – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ConfigType-FAQ
What is ConfigType on your Mac?
The ConfigType 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 ConfigType?
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 ConfigType?
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 ConfigType Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ConfigType 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 ConfigType?
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 ConfigType threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.