What Is CreativeApply?
CreativeApply, known as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application), possesses trojan capabilities that can pose serious risks to your Mac. This application might have infiltrated your system without your knowledge or consent, either disguised within a bundled program installer or presented as a deceptive software update, like a fake Adobe Flash Player. The distribution methods employed by CreativeApply, which raise further suspicions, are characteristic of the AdLoad variants. AdLoad represents a wide-ranging group of ad-supported, potentially unwanted programs that have targeted Mac users for an extended period.
What Is AdLoad?
First discovered in 2018, AdLoad is a family of ad-injection programs that plague Mac users with pop-up ads and promotional messages. Such interference can significantly slow down a Mac’s performance, collect user data and track browsing activity through the trojan component found in CreativeApply.
CreativeApply Details
| Name | CreativeApply a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | A program that delivers lots of annoying advertisements in browsers it affects. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns could occur due to increased number of ads generated by the adware. Sensitive detials could be obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
How Did CreativeApply Get Installed on My Mac?
CreativeApply’s distribution mechanisms often aim to persuade users to install the program without considering the potential consequences. Bundled software installers and false software updates delivered via hacked webpages are commonly used for this purpose. A deceptive false update, frequently utilized by AdLoad adware variants, is the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scheme.
What Does CreativeApply Do?
When CreativeApply operates on a Mac, it can create issues by modifying the configurations of well-known web browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari. As a result, the Mac’s performance may suffer, and users could be redirected to untrustworthy websites controlled by cybercriminals. Furthermore, CreativeApply might utilize tracking techniques to gather sensitive data from the browsers and transmit it to its servers.
Is CreativeApply a Mac Virus?
While not classified as a computer virus, CreativeApply still presents risks due to its adware features, potentially unwanted program activities, and backdoor capabilities. As a precautionary measure to safeguard your online security, it is strongly recommended to uninstall MergeFlow from your Mac.
Is CreativeApply Dangerous?
CreativeApply often targets the LaunchAgents folder in the Library, which can cause various issues due to its persistent nature. Completely removing the program requires a technical approach, as its persistence agent can be challenging to eliminate.
How to Protect My Mac from CreativeApply Mac “Virus”?
Despite being very annoying, unwanted programs can be avoided by building healthy online habits. Here are a few easy steps you can take to avoid installing PUPs and becoming a victim of unwanted programs such as this one:
- Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
- Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
- Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
Remove CreativeApply from Your Mac
To safeguard your Mac against the CreativeApply Mac virus and its associated files, follow the provided removal guide. The guide offers both manual and automated methods to effectively eliminate the threat. By carefully implementing these two approaches, you can secure your Mac from potential future malicious intrusions. If you require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment at the end of the removal guide.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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 CreativeApply files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as CreativeApply, 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 CreativeApply 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 CreativeApply:
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 CreativeApply. 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 CreativeApply. 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 CreativeApply 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 CreativeApply. 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 CreativeApply – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
CreativeApply-FAQ
What is CreativeApply on your Mac?
The CreativeApply 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 CreativeApply?
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 CreativeApply?
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 CreativeApply Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CreativeApply 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 CreativeApply?
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 CreativeApply threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.