What Is FlexibleProtocol?
This is a post that is created to clarify what is behind the FlexibleProtocol adware for Mac and also show how you can remove it from your computer plus stop the promotions it shows.
FlexibleProtocol has been identified as an adware application and while it might look like it is a reputable sort of software, safety experts highly suggest that you should not trust it. The main reason for that is due to the fact that this application, while it might appear valuable, could be indirectly high-risk for your Mac. Not only FlexibleProtocol can track info regarding what it is exactly you do online, but it can additionally show you pop-ups, banners and various other ads that may turn out to be hazardous for your Mac and your information.
Read this article if you intend to learn exactly how to remove FlexibleProtocol from your Mac and safeguard macOS in the future.
FlexibleProtocol Summary
| Name | FlexibleProtocol also known as Adware/Synataeb!OSX, A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F, AdWare.OSX.Adload.j, MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw], OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F |
| Type | Adware/Unwanted Software |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your machine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FlexibleProtocol. |
FlexibleProtocol Mac– What Does It Do?
FlexibleProtocol might be an application that you might not remember setting up on your Mac. Such applications commonly end up on your Mac by being added as an optional extra to the installer of a free program. Such programs commonly promote third-party apps, like FlexibleProtocol somewhere among their install steps. It is not difficult to miss it either because FlexibleProtocol could be concealed in one of the installation steps that are located in the “Advanced” also known as “Customizable” setup mode.
Not just this, FlexibleProtocol could likewise wind up in your Mac as a result of you downloading it from a web site that is marketing it as a legitimate product. Although it could undoubtedly be of some use, the main function of the application is to reveal you a lot of funded web content, such as:
- Highlighted message.
- Banners.
- Video clips.
- Ad-supported results.
- Pop-ups.
- Internet browser redirections.
- Press notices.
The result of seeing those advertisements is not just that they may slow your computer down considerably, yet also having them on your Mac implies that they can lead you to websites that might track your information. This is done using cookies or other trackers, that can be of the listed below types:
- Locally shared things, likewise known as Flash Cookies
- Geo-locator.
- Cookies.
- Pixels.
- Various tags.
The primary risk that is related to this unwanted application is the high-risk sites it may lead you to. They could be of the listed below types and all of them can become a danger with time:
- Fake login sites.
- Data taking sites.
- Malware.
- Tech support fraud pages.
- Phishing.
- Fraud surveys.
This is the primary reason to focus on removing Flexible Protocol from your Mac.
How to Remove FlexibleProtocol from Your Mac
If you intend to remove FlexibleProtocol from your macOS, do not hesitate to pay attention to the removal steps below. It has been made to help you erase this undesirable application from your browsers and your Mac. For maximum performance, we strongly advise that you download and install plus run a scan of your Mac by using an advanced malware-removal application for macOS. Such a program is specially made to assist you and make sure all software with questionable behavior or Mac malware is completely gone from your device.
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 FlexibleProtocol files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FlexibleProtocol, 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 FlexibleProtocol 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 FlexibleProtocol:
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 FlexibleProtocol. 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 FlexibleProtocol. 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 FlexibleProtocol 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 FlexibleProtocol. 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 FlexibleProtocol – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
FlexibleProtocol-FAQ
What is FlexibleProtocol on your Mac?
The FlexibleProtocol 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 FlexibleProtocol?
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 FlexibleProtocol?
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 FlexibleProtocol Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FlexibleProtocol 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 FlexibleProtocol?
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 FlexibleProtocol threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.