What Is LauncherLocator?
LauncherLocator is a malicious AdLoad adware that targets macOS users. If your Mac gets infected, it can lead to an abundance of ads, browser redirects, and even the installation of unwanted applications. This is facilitated by the hidden backdoor component within LauncherLocator and other related programs from the AdLoad threat family.
What Is AdLoad?
AdLoad is a Trojan that infiltrates computers and installs adware, along with potentially harmful programs. It encompasses a wide range of Mac-oriented threats, with new variants emerging frequently.
LauncherLocator Details
| Name | LauncherLocator a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | A program that delivers numerous annoying advertisements in affected browsers. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to an increased number of ads generated by the adware. Personal information may be obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did I Get LauncherLocator Installed on My Mac?
Most of LauncherLocator’s distribution mechanisms aim to deceive users into unwittingly installing the program, without considering the potential consequences. This is often achieved through bundled software installers and fake software updates presented on compromised web pages. An example of a widely used fake update scheme by AdLoad variants is the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scam.
What Does LauncherLocator Do?
LauncherLocator is an adware program designed to bombard users with a large number of online ads. Once installed on a Mac, it can modify the settings of popular browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari to display more ads. Unfortunately, this can cause decreased performance and speed on the Mac, as well as expose users to malicious websites operated by cybercriminals.
Another issue that may arise while LauncherLocator is active on your device is data collection. Through various tracking technologies, the program may attempt to gather sensitive data from affected browsers and send it to its servers. To prevent this adware program from displaying annoying ads and collecting sensitive data, it is crucial to remove all associated files from affected browsers and the system as soon as possible.
Is LauncherLocator a Computer Virus?
While LauncherLocator may not be a typical computer virus, it is strongly recommended to remove it from your Mac to ensure online protection. Its characteristics as adware, potentially unwanted program activities, and backdoor abilities make it potentially dangerous.
Is LauncherLocator Dangerous?
The LaunchAgents folder in the Library is a common target for LauncherLocator, which can cause various issues due to its persistent nature. Completely removing LauncherLocator requires a technical approach, as its persistence agent can be challenging to eliminate. Therefore, Mac users need to take special care to thoroughly remove LauncherLocator from their computers.
How to Protect My Mac from LauncherLocator?
While unwanted programs like LauncherLocator can be highly annoying, they can be avoided by adopting healthy online habits. Here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent the installation of potentially unwanted programs and becoming a victim of programs like LauncherLocator:
- Do not download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites, and other untrustworthy sources.
- Opt-out of any hidden settings found in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections during program installations. You can deselect most potentially unwanted programs from there.
- Avoid installing unnecessary programs.
- Be vigilant for excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be triggered by potentially unwanted programs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions when installing any programs.
- Regularly check your installed software and uninstall any applications that are unwanted or unnecessary.
- Install an anti-malware program that can detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
Remove LauncherLocator from Your Mac
To protect your Mac from LauncherLocator and its associated files, please follow the instructions in the removal guide. The guide provides both manual and automated methods for eliminating the threat, and utilizing both can help prevent future malicious attacks on your Mac. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please leave a comment at the end of the removal guide.
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 LauncherLocator files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as LauncherLocator, 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 LauncherLocator 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 LauncherLocator:
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 LauncherLocator. 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 LauncherLocator. 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 LauncherLocator 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 LauncherLocator. 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 LauncherLocator – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
LauncherLocator-FAQ
What is LauncherLocator on your Mac?
The LauncherLocator 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 LauncherLocator?
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 LauncherLocator?
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 LauncherLocator Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LauncherLocator 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 LauncherLocator?
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 LauncherLocator threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.