This article has been created to explain how you can remove the Mac Performance Wants Access issue from your Mac completely.
Reports have started to accumulate over an increasing issue with access request over the users browsers on Mac. What the users receive is a pop-up message that Mac Performance wants access to control their browsers. If you see such type of message on Safari, Firefox, Chrome or other browsers, be advised that there is no such thing as Mac Performance program and if there was such an app, it would not ask to control your browser if the app was legitimate. Researchers believe that these pop-ups may be displayed on your web browser as a result of you having installed an ad-supported application on your web browser that is filling up your Mac with advertisements and pop-ups, the accepting of which might even result in malware infection of your Mac. Read this article to learn how to remove the “Mac Performance” pop-ups and learn how you can fix your Mac.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mac Performance Virus |
| Type | Adware for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Displays fake system pop-ups and shows various different ads that lead to unknown sites. |
| Symptoms | A lot of different types of advertisements and slow performance of the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | The main method of distribution that is related to these issues is believed to be via software bundling, but there is also the possibility of the adware app being downloaded from a shady site. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mac Performance Virus. |
Mac Performance Pop-ups – How Did I Get Them
Seeing the Mac Performance pop-ups is likely an indicator of your computer system being compromised by what appears to e an adware application that is added on your Mac. These types of programs pretend to be real, but are in fact adware. They often pose as helpers that aim to improve the way you use your Mac in one way or another. One method of distribution they use is called software bundling. This method is characterized by the fact that the apps in question may be installed by hijacking the installers of other free apps. This means that every time you try to download and install your free torrent or other type of useful app on your Mac, the installer you may have downloaded may contain the adware, causing the Mac Performance issues. The program may be advertised in one of the installation steps that may be located there “as an optional offer” and it’s installation step may also be in the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation options.
In addition to being added via these methods, the Mac Performance pop-ups may also be shown as a result of adware being added to your web browser as well. This can happen if you have added a browser extension or such is automatically added to your browser. Many adware developers use browser extensions to control web browsers and show push notifications and other form of advertisements as a result of that.
Mac Performance Pop-ups – More Information
The Mac Performance pop-ups may appear during random browsing on the following web browsers for Mac:
- Mozilla Firefox.
- Google Chrome.
- Safari.
- Opera.
If they appear, they will ask for control permissions over your browser. Here is the message which appears:
“Mac Performance Wants Access to Control {web browser name}”
The messages ask for the victim to give an app, called Mac Performance, which may have nothing to do with the Mac’s performance, control over the web browser. The end result of that is that you may give away the following permissions to this suspicious application:
- Voice recording.
- Camera access.
- Keystrokes logging.
- Online clicks tracking.
- Obtaining of saved account information (IDs, passwords).
- Obtaining your browser history.
The outcome of that may vary as it depends on the real people who are behind the fake Mac Performance application. They may collect data and use it to flood your Mac with different ads, like:
- Pop-ups.
- Online redirects to various websites.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Taken over banner spaces.
In addition to this, different tracking technologies may also be used, like:
- Cookies.
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Geo-locators.
These tracking tech are often used with the main purpose to get users to giveaway more of their information, even if they have located and deleted the software, causing the Mac Performance pop-ups.
Remove Mac Performance Pop-ups and Fix Your Mac
We have prepared instructions below by which you can manually hunt for and locate the software that is causing the Mac Performance pop-ups manually. However, this comes as no guarantee, since there may be tracking technologies and other types of left over software that may still track your information. This is why for maximum effectiveness, we would advise you what most experts would and that is to download and run a scan on your Mac with an advanced Mac Antivirus software. Such program will remove all of the trackers, set by the Mac Performance adware and also detect and remove all adware elements, if any on your Mac. The program also aims to ensure that you Mac remains protected against these Mac Performance issues in the future too.
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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About the Mac Performance Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mac Performance Virus 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 Mac Performance Virus?
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 Mac Performance Virus 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
Preparation Phase:
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 Mac Performance Virus 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 Mac Performance Virus:
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 Mac Performance Virus. 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 Mac Performance Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over 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 Mac Performance Virus 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 Mac Performance Virus. 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 Mac Performance Virus – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove Mac Performance Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mac Performance Virus, 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
Step 4: 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.
Mac Performance Virus FAQ
What is Mac Performance Virus on your Mac?
The Mac Performance Virus 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 Mac Performance Virus 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 Mac Performance Virus?
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 Mac Performance Virus?
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.
I have been unable to get rid of this pop up. It shows everytime I open Safari. Will your instructions help me?