What is EssentialCommand Adware on Mac?
EssentialCommand is the name of an adware app which aims to deceive users that it is useful for Mac. The reality is that this application could cause a lot more harm than good. The main reason for this is because EssentialCommand adware may begin to show various types of advertisements. And while the EssentialCommand adware has been created not to be dangerous to your Mac, the ads it may display could lead to different hazards. Such can be risky websites that may even show further redirects to virus URLs or scam pages. This is why, we strongly advise that you read this material as it will help you learn what exactly EssentialCommand is and how to remove it from your Mac.
Threat Summary
| Name | EssentialCommand |
| Type | PUP for Mac OS |
| Short Description | EssentialCommand is the name of an unwanted application for Mac devices. |
| Symptoms | EssentialCommand aims to display various different types of advertisements on victimized computers. May begin to create various different files and objects that are hidden. |
| Distribution Method | Via software bundling or online advertisements. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Combo Cleaner | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss EssentialCommand. |
EssentialCommand Mac Adware – What Does It Do
EssentialCommand belongs to a set of apps that have been made by one specific developer of adware. This developer is currently unknown. These forms of applications are usually supported by advertisements and one thing that makes them similar is that all of them have the magnifying glass icon on their app icon picture.
Similar apps to EssentialCommand, which we have also found about are:
Once EssentialCommand has already affected your computer, it may begin to perform all types of different activities on your Mac. At first, EssentialCommand may assume permissions over your web browsers, that allows it to modify them. Then, it can also begin to use these modifications to show different types of ads, like:
- Browser Redirect ads.
- Push notifications.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Banners.
- Pop-ups.
The advertisements that may be displayed by EssentialCommand could eventually lead to different types of third-party sites. These websites can wind up being virus sites, fake web pages, scam or phishing sites. They could also end up to be a “you have won a gift” type of scams and even dangerous malware links, that can bring all sorts of viruses on your Mac. This is why, it is very important that you focus on removing EssentialCommand immediately from your Mac.
Remove EssentialCommand from Your Mac
EssentialCommand can be gotten rid from your Mac by following the steps that we have shown below. They have the necessary actions that you need to do in order to remove this nasty app. Also, we recommend that if you want EssentialCommand to be surely gotten rid of, you should download and run a scan with an advanced cleaner app for Mac. such software has the capability of scanning and detecting all types of unwanted and virus files on your Mac and removing them for good.
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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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall EssentialCommand 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:
- 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 EssentialCommand 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:
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 2: Remove EssentialCommand – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove EssentialCommand files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as EssentialCommand, 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.
EssentialCommand FAQ
What is EssentialCommand on your Mac?
The EssentialCommand threat is a potentially unwanted app or likely a Mac virus. It may slow your Mac down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of EssentialCommand on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like EssentialCommand?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from EssentialCommand?
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 website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
