InitialWebTool on Mac
InitialWebTool is the name of an undesirable app that affects Mac systems. Its key function is to adjust specific settings without being noticed. For this purpose, it enters computer systems by means of different shady approaches like freeware installers, fake software updates, and misleading adverts. InitialWebTool on Mac will interrupt browsing sessions with annoying pop-ups hoping that you will click them to generate revenue for fraudsters.
The application is not malicious but its presence on a macOS could lead to serious security issues. Read this article to find out more about InitialWebTool Mac adware and discover how to remove it successfully.
TInitialWebTool Summary
| Name | InitialWebTool also known as Adware.MacOS.InitialWebTool (SpyHunter for Mac) |
| Type | Adware, Browser Hijacker for Mac OS |
| Short Description | InitialWebTool Mac virus has been created with the main idea to show you advertised content. |
| Symptoms | InitialWebTool Mac app can display different types of ads and modify the settings on Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox and other web browsers. |
| Distribution Method | Likely via bundled software. |
| Detection Tool |
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InitialWebTool – Is It a Mac Virus?
InitialWebTool might have accessed your Mac by being added to the setup of a recently installed app. The software bundling technique enables fraudsters to compromise the installers of commonly used apps like media players, file converters, game cracks, text editors, etc. by adding potentially unwanted extras.
After you download such an app you may easily miss the presence of added “extras” because they tend to remain hidden in the rarely used Advanced or Custom configuration steps. So, if you want to prevent bogus apps like InitialWebTool from running on your Mac, you have to read carefully the information listed in the installers of all apps you download.
Once started on your Mac, InitialWebTool could transform the settings on your browsers. It may additionally ask for authorizations to modify and review the information on websites you see. Furthermore, InitialWebTool can redirect you to a wide range of third-party unreliable sites, some of which can endanger the overall system security.
The major goal of deceptive sites could be to ask you to call a fake tech support number, enter your financial details, or download a malicious program. Such sites can pose as PayPal or various other fake login web pages just to steal your password and username. This is the primary reason why InitialWebTool Mac infection is considered dangerous for your Mac and needs to be removed immediately.
InitialWebTool on Mac – How to Remove It
To get rid of InitialWebTool Mac efficiently, we strongly recommend that you fulfill all the steps below. They will assist you in erasing this infection step by step. If you desire to complete full and at the same time fast removal, you can skip the manual steps and download the suggested anti-malware tool. A fast scan with it will enable you to erase all potentially unwanted and harmful files from the macOS.
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.
Step 1: Uninstall InitialWebTool 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 InitialWebTool:
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 InitialWebTool. 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 InitialWebTool. 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 InitialWebTool 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 InitialWebTool. 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 2: Remove InitialWebTool – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove InitialWebTool files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as InitialWebTool, 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.
InitialWebTool FAQ
What is InitialWebTool on your Mac?
The InitialWebTool 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers 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 InitialWebTool 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 InitialWebTool?
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 InitialWebTool?
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 InitialWebTool Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this InitialWebTool 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 InitialWebTool?
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 InitialWebTool threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. macOS More Susceptible to Adware and PUPs than Windows
2. XLoader Malware-as-a-Service Now Available for macOS for Only $49
3. XCSSET Mac Malware Targets Apple’s M1-Based Macs and macOS 11
4. macOS Backdoor Malware Linked to OceanLotus Hackers
5. The State of Apple’s Privacy So Far in 2021