What Is DNS Unlocker for Mac
DNS Unlocker Mac is a very intrusive and aggressive adware program. It continues to spread out and generate promotions today. Among the main distribution, methods are with bundled applications. The unwanted program claims to open geographically limited sites while supplying a faster and also better experience for you. That is not true.
This post has been made with the idea in mind to clarify to you what is the unwanted program DNS Unlocker Mac and just how to remove it from your Mac as well as stop “Advertisements by DNS Unlocker” from showing up.
It has involved our focus that an extremely irritating unwnated software, called DNS Unlocker, which we spotted way back in 2015 has supposedly came back in 2020 with a new setup as well as a brand-new user interface, still promising the very same deceitful cases that it will certainly allow users to gain access to geo-restricted web sites, like Netflix and also others of this kind by customizing the DNS settings on the victim computers. The DNS Unlocker Mac virus is the sort of software application that does change the network setups on your computer, but it likewise does more than that. The dubious program displays various sorts of promotions, that have a goal of leading you to sites that are taking advantage of computers to third-party internet sites that are marketed by this PUP (potentially unwanted program). Considering that some of these sites may lead you to scam or malicious URLs, we advise that you read this article as it may help you recognize more about DNS Unlocker Mac as well as exactly how you can remove it from your Mac system.
DNS Unlocker Mac
Your Mac computer system might experience slow-downs. Your DNS address will certainly be changed to name a few. When surfing the Web, you will certainly see lots of advertising content, which may be targeted. To eliminate DNS Unlocker Mac and all advertising from your web browsers, you need to read this article carefully.
In the fall of 2014, the DNS Unlocker Mac software program made its first appearance. When it emerged and gained some popularity, individuals were examining if the hostile adverts spammed by the program are dangerous. They called it “Netflix DNS Unlocker”. Possibly they believed it was associated with Netflix or they just saw the logo design on the DNS unlocker(.) com site. As Netflix and other services had their internet sites region secured, the DNS Unlocker Mac tool appeared appealing for lots of people.
Threat Summary
| Name | DNS Unlocker |
| Type | Adware |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your Mac and may change its default DNS in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac and web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down and even freezing it. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss DNS Unlocker. |
DNS Unlocker Mac- Activity and Purpose
Quickly afterward the understanding of exactly how bad the program was, came to light. Ads and also spam were being produced like crazy, as well as users can not eliminate the software application with an easy uninstallation. Discussion forums were full of discussions on how to eliminate the unwanted application and restore a computer system’s setups back to normal. In 2015, the direct download switch on the dnsunlocker(.) com website was gotten rid of, and also later in the year, its Privacy Policy was cut off. Geographically limited sites opened up as well as appeared in more countries.
DNS Unlocker Mac can be dispersed along with third-party installational arrangements. This adware is really intrusive as well as can bypass your Mac system’s defenses in various ways. A bundling plan or some free software installer might be the cause for the presence of the adware on your Mac computer system. Setups like that can include additional components for installment, by default, and also you could be unaware of it. Avoiding that from happening can be done if you discover some Advanced or Custom setups inside the setup wizard, to be able to deselect parts.
The DNS Unlocker program does not make use of traditional ways of being installed on the computer systems of users. The program usually “hitchhikes” the setup wizards of various other programs that are commonly downloaded and install for free online. These programs may be laid-back system optimizer, torrent downloading software program, media player and other assistant software application which is provided for totally free download by third-party internet sites.
Given that those programs may have their installers changed, they may contain DNS Unlocker contributed to them in among their setup actions, resembling the following:
But this is not the only method via which DNS Unlocker Mac enters customers’ computer systems. The DNS Unlocker program may likewise be seen having it’s own installer if it’s downloaded and install from it’s own internet site or web sites that advertise it as a handy device. The installer looks like the following:
DNS Unlocker Mac is advertised as a handy software as the description on it’s software configuration wizard claims:
“DNS Unlocker
Unlock Censored Website and Protect Your PrivacyOverview
Unlock blocked websites and digital media for Free! Our DNS service is faster than VPN, simpler to setup…Many countries have decided to arbitrarily block web sites access by blacklisting domains on local DNS servers. Some for political reason by blocking access to Twitter or Facebook, other to please the film industry by blocking torrent and video web sites such as PirateBay or PopCornTimes.
DNS Unlocker Mac lets you unlock those domains by simply connecting to our custom DNS instead of your local one.
We don’t claim to unlock every blocked web sites, but in many cases the censorship is done using domain name redirection, and in this case, our custom servers may help.
-Key features
-Transparent filtering.
-No speed degradation.
-Ease of use.”
As well as while this program may function as a legit helper that improves your web surfing experience, it may do more than that. By attaching you to the web server of it’s designers, you may open your Mac to an entire brand-new degree of troubles for your information.
DNS Unlocker Mac can be dispersed with the help of sites of unidentified beginning, particularly if they host reroute links. Clicking different advertisements like banners, pop-ups or in-text ads is one more method for the undesirable application to enter your computer. Other approaches for the circulation of the adware might exist as well. One of the most common internet browsers that could be affected are: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera and others.
DNS Unlocker Mac is an old, but still functional platform. The software program is no more used directly with its main domain name. Nevertheless, it keeps locating brand-new customers to endanger their computer system tools. Being as intrusive and also hostile as before this adware program remains to thrive.
DNS Unlocker Mac had numerous iterations as the last DNS Unlocker variant version was 1.4.
Process executables related to DNS Unlocker have versions and the names of American towns and also towns connected with them:
- DNSpallenville
- DNSridgewood
- DNSlockington
- DNSnewville (a.k.a. DNS Unlocker 1.4).
Advertisements from the undesirable program can be identified instantly if they have among these texts:.
- Ads by DNS Unlocker.
- Advert from DNS Unlocker.
- Powered by DNS Unlocker.
- Ad by DNS Unlocker.
- Ad by DNS Unlocker.
- Brought to you by DNS Unlocker.
You can arrive at many different websites from redirects attached to the notorious DNS Unlocker. The marketing content pertaining to DNS Unlocker Mac can be viewed anywhere on the net in the form of pop-ups, in-text web links, pop-unders, banners, interstitial, transitional ads or others.
The Privacy Policy of DNS Unlocker Mac has actually not been updated since May, 2015. A little unclear in the method it is composed, the plan makes it clear that the web site, services, and also applications linked to DNS Unlocker collect details. Moreover, the info is shared with 3rd parties in some scenarios.
Ads can show up in your internet browsers at any time.
Confidential details may be shown other third parties (consisting of merchants, advertisement networks, advertising business, company, media and other interested parties) in any one of the above scenarios, as well as for the purpose of establishing or providing advertising (whether using our Solutions, or solutions of other 3rd parties).
Info which is collected by DNS Unlocker Mac, according to its Personal privacy Plan:.
- Your software and also equipment specs.
- Your browser type.
- Your geographical location.
- Your web browser variation.
- Your operating system.
- Version of the operating system.
- Your language choices.
In the Plan, it is composed, that any details is kept indefinitely unless a user calls the DNS support team at their e-mail and requests for that information to be removed.
DNS Unlocker Mac declares that just anonymous details is collected, yet that is not real, due to it has access to DNS setups. From there, your IP address can be sent to its web servers and recognize you. Not to mention that your physical address is additionally accumulated and recognizing your place might be adequate to track you. All of that information is offered to different third parties, which are not mentioned in the Policy and also stay unknown. If you do not desire your privacy being intruded as well as made use of in such a way, you should take into consideration eliminating DNS Unlocker.
Get Rid Of DNS Unlocker Completely from Your Mac
DNS Unlocker Mac is really aggressive as well as merely removing some of its data may not work to remove it permanently. If you intend to try, you can remove it from your computer system manually by following the detailed removal guide given below. In case the manual elimination method does not get rid of DNS Unlocker and all of its files entirely, then you should look for and also eliminate any type of leftovers with an innovative anti-malware device. A tool like that can also maintain your computer system safer 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 DNS Unlocker files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as DNS Unlocker, 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 DNS Unlocker 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 DNS Unlocker:
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 DNS Unlocker. 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 DNS Unlocker. 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 DNS Unlocker 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 DNS Unlocker. 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 DNS Unlocker – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
DNS Unlocker-FAQ
What is DNS Unlocker on your Mac?
The DNS Unlocker 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 DNS Unlocker?
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 DNS Unlocker?
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 DNS Unlocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DNS Unlocker 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 DNS Unlocker?
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 DNS Unlocker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.