What Is FiberOpticJoin?
FiberOpticJoin is an aggressive variant of the AdLoad adware, mainly affecting macOS devices. Should your Mac fall victim to it, you’ll likely face a deluge of ads, unexpected browser diversions, and the addition of undesired applications. The stealthy backdoor elements within FiberOpticJoin and its kin in the AdLoad family power these disruptive actions.
![FiberOpticJoin Mac Ads Virus Removal [Guide]](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/FiberOpticJoin-mac-1024x576.jpg)
FiberOpticJoin Details
| Name | FiberOpticJoin a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | A program that delivers numerous annoying advertisements in affected browsers. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to an increased number of ads generated by the adware. Personal information may 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 I Get FiberOpticJoin on My Mac?
FiberOpticJoin spreads primarily by hoodwinking users into unintentionally setting up the software, often oblivious to the ensuing repercussions. It cleverly sneaks in through software packages or masquerades as crucial updates showcased on dubious web pages. One notable deceptive maneuver employed by the AdLoad offshoots is the “Adobe Flash Player requires an update” browser trick.
What Does FiberOpticJoin Do?
As an adware tool, FiberOpticJoin’s core mission is to flood users with unsolicited online adverts. Once it takes root on a Mac, it can alter configurations of widely-used browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari, leading them to project excessive ads. Such maneuvers not only hamper the Mac’s efficiency but also expose users to potentially malevolent online domains managed by digital miscreants.
Additionally, while running stealthily on your Mac, FiberOpticJoin might partake in clandestine data mining. It can utilize advanced tracking tools to siphon off private data from your browsers, dispatching it to designated remote servers. To stymie this incessant ad intrusion and unauthorized data siphoning, it’s essential to promptly purge all remnants of this adware from your browsers and system.
Is It a Mac Virus?
Even though FiberOpticJoin might not squarely align with the typical archetype of a computer virus, it’s undeniably prudent to dislodge it from your Mac to safeguard your digital integrity. Its characteristic behaviors as adware, its listing as a possibly unwanted program, coupled with covert backdoor functionalities, all flag its perilous nature.
How to Remove FiberOpticJoin from Your Mac
To fortify your Mac against FiberOpticJoin and its allied residues, it’s wise to heed the steps encapsulated in the removal manual. This exhaustive guide offers both hands-on and automated tactics to neutralize the threat, thereby fortifying your Mac against impending hostile assaults. Should you grapple with any uncertainties or require added aid, do not hesitate to articulate your concerns in the comments section of the removal guide.
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 FiberOpticJoin files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FiberOpticJoin, 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 FiberOpticJoin 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 FiberOpticJoin:
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 FiberOpticJoin. 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 FiberOpticJoin. 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 FiberOpticJoin 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 FiberOpticJoin. 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 FiberOpticJoin – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
FiberOpticJoin-FAQ
What is FiberOpticJoin on your Mac?
The FiberOpticJoin 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 FiberOpticJoin?
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 FiberOpticJoin?
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 FiberOpticJoin Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FiberOpticJoin 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 FiberOpticJoin?
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 FiberOpticJoin threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.