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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: Get rid of Mac Performance Virus from Mac OS X.
- Guide 2: Remove Mac Performance Virus from Google Chrome.
- Guide 3: Erase Mac Performance Virus from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 4: Uninstall Mac Performance Virus from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 5: Delete Mac Performance Virus from Safari.
- Guide 6: Eliminate Mac Performance Virus from Internet Explorer.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Mac Performance Virus from Mac OS X.
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:
- 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:
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: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac
You can use the tool we recommended above in order to remove Mac Performance Virus:
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Mac Performance Virus from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Mac Performance Virus from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Mac Performance Virus from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Delete Mac Performance Virus from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Mac Performance Virus will be removed.
Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Mac Performance Virus from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Mac Performance Virus FAQ
What is Mac Performance Virus?
Mac Performance Virus is classified as a potentially unwanted app for Mac. It appears like a normal app, but it may cause unpleasant pop-ups and redirects on your Mac.
Be aware, that Mac Performance Virus may be able to affect the browsers Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge and Opera. It may they perform unwanted activities on your Mac.
Such can turn out to be showing advertisements of all types, slowing down your Mac's performance and even infecting your Mac with other viruses by showing you dangerous ads.
Is Mac Performance Virus a Virus?
No, but it is just as risky. The Mac Performance Virus object is not entirely a virus but it is still as dangerous as a virus for your Mac and your information. The main reason for that is because Mac Performance Virus can use cookies and other tracking technologies that may obtain personal information from your Mac while you are browsing.
It may also cause dangers and may lead to risky websites, such as:
- Phishing sites.
- Web pages that are scam.
- Sites that may contain viruses.
These are the main reasons why threatening is considered by experts to be indirectly dangerous to your Mac.
Can my Mac get virus?
The answer to this question is "yes". Unfortunately it opened happens that Mac devices become infected with different types of malware, adware and other threats. This causes a lot of problems for both companies and users.
How did I get Mac Performance Virus?
Mac Performance Virus could be spread to Mac computers via several methods. One of those methods is via the installers of third party apps. This technique is called software bundling.
Also, Mac Performance Virus adware could be included in the installer steps of an app you may have downloaded for your Mac from a third party website. Search app could be a media player or some other free software you may have tried to recently install.
You may have missed Mac Performance Virus, because it could be hiding in one of the install steps or could be offered as a "free extra" or an "optional offer".
How to remove Mac Performance Virus from my Mac?
By removing its core files. To get rid of Mac Performance Virus from your Mac, security experts strongly advise to scan it with a professional anti-malware app for Mac.
An anti-malware security app has the capability of scanning all of the areas in your Mac were Mac Performance Virus could be residing.
It will also make sure that Mac Performance Virus is permanently gone from your Mac and that your Mac is safe in the future.
How to protect my Mac from viruses?
To protect your Mac from all sorts of virus threats, you can can minimize the risk of getting a virus in the first place. This is why we strongly recommend that you take the following steps for protection on your Mac below:
1. Register for a VPN service of your choice.
2. Clear the cookies that are on your web browsers and uninstall any browser extensions from them that you believe are suspicious.
3. Download and install reputable malware removal and protection software.
4. Always check if the website you're visiting has HTTPS instead of just HTTP in its address. This indicates that a site is secure.
5. Do not type any personal info on websites which are with low reputation or you can't trust.
6. Always check if the site you're visiting is the real web page at not a fake one by looking at the address bar. Many fishing websites that contain viruses change one or two letters in the main domain name of the site they're trying to mimic.
7. Always link your cell phone phone to your Bank Accounts, PayPal, Facebook, Gmail, Instagram and other accounts. This will allow you to see notification if somebody else logged in from your account and makes account hijacking nearly impossible.
8. Always find a way to backup all your important files regularly. You can save them on a USB stick or use Cloud backup services, like Google Drive. iDrive, Onedrive and others.
I have been unable to get rid of this pop up. It shows everytime I open Safari. Will your instructions help me?