What Is FormulaBuffer on Mac?
FormulaBuffer is a name given to a potentially unwanted program for Mac that has been reported to have typical adware traits. Adware apps are created by fraudsters who aim to earn profit by promoting shady services, apps and sites. This is the main reason why such apps are considered dangerous for your computer security. All the different types of advertisements they show may open even pages that promote malicious software.
Being indirectly dangerous for your Mac security, the FormulaBuffer adware should be removed from the infected macOS as soon as possible. Read this article to learn more about how FormulaBuffer adware works and how to fully get rid of it from your Mac.
FormulaBuffer Summary
| Name | FormulaBuffer |
| Type | Adware, PUP, Redirect for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer in order to cause browser redirects and display adverts. |
| Symptoms | The appearance of various types of online advertisements results in lowered macOS security and slowed Mac performance. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Dangerous web pages which advertise it; Fake software updates. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by FormulaBuffer
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Malware Removal Tool
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FormulaBuffer – How Did I Get Infected?
Other similar adware applications like FormulaBuffer have been reported to be part of a bigger PUP family for Mac threats called AdLoad. There are plenty of them lurking around the web trying to obtain access to Mac systems. Here are a few more apps that should be kept away from the macOS:
Typically, adware applications land on different macOS with the help of shady techniques all of which are designed to install undesired apps in the background of all other running processes. The installation setups of other freeware are the most common distribution method.
The image below shows an app installer configured to run additional potentially undesired app:
Fake Adobe Flash Player Updates are among the techniques used to install potentially unwanted programs as well. The activation of adware and browser hijackers may also cause the irritating Google redirects to Yahoo issue.
Check out how a fake website claiming that you need to install a dangerous update could be designed:
FormulaBuffer – What Does It Do?
FormulaBuffer adware obtains access to all web browsers that are among its targets. By modifying browser settings, it becomes able to conduct shady advertising campaigns.
Beware. All advertising campaigns have the sole purpose to generate revenue for fraudsters. Hence, they may be dangerous. In order to trick you to visit sponsored content, the adware may display – pop-ups, banners, new browser tab redirects, promoted search results, etc. All mentioned types of adverts may link to poorly secured pages that host online scams, shady online portals or malicious sites.
Programs like FormulaBuffer adware drop and run tracking technologies in order to provide data to fraudsters too. Then the information can be misused for advertising, business and shady purposes. You may find small objects like cookies on your Mac. They can obtain and provide data.
One of the most important steps for your privacy and security is to find and delete all harmful trackers.
Is FormulaBuffer a Virus?
FormulaBuffer adware is not initially malicious. Still it belongs to the Mac viruses category of apps. The adware somehow lowers macOS security because of the ads it shows. As we mentioned they can be set to open very dangerous websites that host online scams, phishing pages, fake tech support pages, and malware. If you focus on the immediate removal of FormulaBuffer from your Mac, you will prevent more severe security issues.
How to Remove FormulaBuffer from Mac
In order for you to get rid of FormulaBuffer software, we would strongly suggest that you follow the removal instructions that have been posted underneath this article. They contain all the necessary steps to clean up your web browser and your computer system from this and other unwanted/harmful software. Security professionals often recommended the usage of advanced anti-malware software for best results. The anti-malware program shown below has been tested to detect and remove any traits data trackers, adware and malware. Then it keeps protecting the system against any future infections.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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 FormulaBuffer files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FormulaBuffer, 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 FormulaBuffer 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 FormulaBuffer:
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 FormulaBuffer. 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 FormulaBuffer. 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 FormulaBuffer 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 FormulaBuffer. 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 FormulaBuffer – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
FormulaBuffer-FAQ
What is FormulaBuffer on your Mac?
The FormulaBuffer 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 FormulaBuffer?
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 FormulaBuffer?
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 FormulaBuffer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FormulaBuffer 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 FormulaBuffer?
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 FormulaBuffer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.