What Is Helper_Update
Helper_Update is an application for Mac that may appear as if it is legitimate software that is helpful, whereas, in reality, it could lead you to several suspicious websites, some of which may be dangerous for your computer. The main reason for that is Helper_Update could be utilized in a way that it may show you ads to third-party sites that make money for the developers of this adware via pay-per-click and other kinds of schemes. And since there is no way of knowing to which domains these ads may lead you, it is strongly recommended that you focus on removing Helper_Update from your Mac completely.
Read this article if you want to learn how to effectively get rid of Helper_Update from your Mac and stop any ads.
Helper_Update Summary
| Name | Helper_Update |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP for Mac |
| 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 computer. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Helper_Update. |
Helper_Update Mac Adware – What Does It Do?
In a similar way to other unwanted programs for Mac, like PowerfulBrowse, RecordMapper and ProType, Helper_Update may also be installed in your device by questionable means. One of the most commonly used methods is for Helper_Update to be added as a “free extra” in one of the “advanced” or “custom” installation steps of a free program you may have downloaded from a third-party site, also known as bundling. These programs are often helpful freeware, like converters, downloaders, media players, etc.
Once Helper_Update is added to your Mac it may change the settings of your device and may also begin to change the settings of your web browsers as well.
Now Helper_Update may not necessarily be a virus, but it could be just as risky, because it may be responisble for the following kinds of advertisements to start plaguing your macOS:
- Text-embedded advertisements.
- Banner adverts.
- Browser pop-ups.
- Redirects and transfers to third-party sites.
- Ads appearing instead of search results.
- Push notifications promotions.
These ads may contain various tracking objects. These are small files, like cookies, pixels, geo-locators, tags and others of this kind that are mostly used to get information about what you do online. They may exist for years of time if not properly removed. They could be utilized by this adware to get information about the sites you visit, your browsing history, bookmarks, where you click and even what you type while online.
But be advised that Helper_Update is not mainly a risk because of trackers. What makes this program indirectly problematic for your Mac is the fact that the sponosored ads it displays to you cannot always be verified and checked. This is often how you may end up being led to dangerous websites, for example:
- Endless redirect loop schemes.
- Scam surveys.
- Phishing or “Fake” sites.
- Scamming sites.
- Rogue software download frauds.
- Virus domains.
- Tech support scams.
This is the primary reason you should focus on getting rid of this application from your Mac ASAP.
Remove Helper_Update from Your Mac
The app Helper_Update may be a bit difficult to remove, especially if you do not have the experience to delete apps manually from Mac along with all their files in your library. This is why we have created the removal manual below. It is designed to best support you to remove this app manually. Be advised that the fastest solution is to get rid of this app automatically using reputable anti-malware software. Such an app will effectively scan your Mac and detect any adware, malware, and trackers plus erase them effectively.
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 Helper_Update files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Helper_Update, 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 Helper_Update 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 Helper_Update:
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 Helper_Update. 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 Helper_Update. 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 Helper_Update 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 Helper_Update. 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 Helper_Update – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Helper_Update-FAQ
What is Helper_Update on your Mac?
The Helper_Update 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 Helper_Update?
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 Helper_Update?
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 Helper_Update Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Helper_Update 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 Helper_Update?
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 Helper_Update threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.