What Is Install.app Mac
Install.app is a file that is responsible for installing a certain application on Mac. Generally the file is legitimate, but it may be just as dangerous as safe. The main reason for that is such files are often used by malware to slither on your Mac. This is why it is always wise to check what are you installing before even opening the file and if you have opened it and nothing happened, to see if you have a malware infection on your Mac.
If you do not remember downloading Install.app on your Mac, then we strongly suggest that you read this article to learn more on how to detect and remove if there is malware on your Mac.
Install.app Summary
| Name | Install.app |
| Type | Common name for installers/Potentially malicious file. |
| Short Description | Install.app is the name of an application that is created with the main idea to be installed. If you do not remember downloading it, then it could be a virus. |
| Symptoms | You may start seeing suspicious behavior after running Install.app. |
| Distribution Method | Downloaed from third-party websites. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Install.app. |
Install.app – Is It a Virus and What Does It Do?
Install.app may not necessarily be a virus or an unwanted app. But if you don’t remember installing it or even downloading it, then you may have a problem at your hands. Most viruses usually pretend to be applications that are safe for your Mac and are uploaded on several different types of websites for free download. Once they are downloaded and installed, they could turn out to be malware or a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). This is why we recommend that you always have an anti-malware protection or simply avoid installing apps uploaded outside of Apple Store.
What If Install.app Is Adware?
If the Install.app belongs to an adware application, then it will immediately become evident. These types of apps tend to modify your web browser to show ads. Some of such adware we have recently seen are Service Records, Dominant Mapper Mac or GoSearch22. These are all programs that can present multiple amounts of risks for your Mac. They may show the following ads:
- Banners.
- Push notifications.
- Pop-up ads.
- Browser redirects.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Highlighted text ads.
These ads may eventually use cookies and other means to track your information. They may also lead you to websites that are dangerous for your Mac, such as:
- Redirects to virus links.
- Fraud Tech Support pages.
- Phishing sites.
- Scam sites.
- Scam surveys.
What If Install.app is Malware?
But the real problem is if Install.app turns out to be the infection file of a Trojan or worse – Mac Ransomware. Then you have a real problem on your hands, because these threats are after your information hard. They may do the following malicious activities, once on your MAc:
- Encrypt files and ask you to pay BitCoin to be able to access them again.
- Take screenshots.
- Delete files.
- Steal files.
- Damage your macOS.
- Get your IP address.
- Track the keys you type in real time.
- Enable your web camera and microphone.
- Get your browsing history.
- Steal saved passwords on your web browser.
In both of those scenarios, it is best to secure your Mac, especially if you believe Install.app is a virus.
Remove Install.app from Your Mac and Secure It
In order to remove Install.app from your Mac, you can use the guide below. It will help you delete any suspicious apps or malware that may have ended up on your Mac as a result of installing Install.app. For best detection and removal, experts advise running a scan of your Mac by using an advanced anti-malware software. This software is responsible for making sure that it runs a deep scan and removes any adware or malware currently plaguing your Mac to protect it.
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 Install.app files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Install.app, 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 Install.app 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 Install.app:
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 Install.app. 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 Install.app. 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 Install.app 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 Install.app. 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 Install.app – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Install.app-FAQ
What is Install.app on your Mac?
The Install.app 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 Install.app?
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 Install.app?
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 Install.app Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Install.app 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 Install.app?
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 Install.app threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.