This post has been made in order to best explain what is Mac Security Plus and show you ways via which you can remove this unwanted program from your Mac.
A new potentially unsafe software, called Mac Security Plus has been detected to cause issues on the Mac devices it has been installed on. Mac Security Plus is a fake rogue anti-spyware software for Macs. This unwanted software is usually spread via suspicious sites, spam and other means and it may aim to not only slow your Mac down, but to also display a lot of fake infections and ask you to pay the full version in order to clean your “infected” Mac whereas in reality there could be nothing wrong with it. Read this article to understand how you can remove Mac Security Plus from your Mac effectively.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mac Security Plus |
| Type | Rogue/Fake Antivirus for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to show you hoax detections of malware to scare you into purchasing it’s full version to be able to remove the viruses. |
| Symptoms | Displays scary pop-ups and hundreds of malware and unwanted software detections to get you to purchase it’s full version. May run automatic scans. |
| Distribution Method | Via hacked sites or by clicking on images and getting redirected to a download page. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mac Security Plus. |
Mac Security Plus – How Did I Get It
The primary method by which one could be redirected to Mac Security Plus and have it installed is if you have clicked on a banner or an image that belongs to an otherwise hacked website. Usually such sites show advertisements that pretend to be an online scanner and it almost always detects something. But to remove it, the scammers want you to download the software.
Another way via which this unwanted program (also known as PUP) spreads is to be spammed to you via messages, ads, redirects, pop-ups and other unwanted content. Some users even report getting such programs unknowingly by clicking on Google Images that led them to dangerous sites.
Mac Security Plus – More Information
Once Mac Security Plus has been downloaded on your computer system, the program may create various different types of files that may prompt it to start automatically when you log into your Mac. Once up and running, Mac Security Plus may only appear like it is running an automatic scan of your computer, but in reality it may only be showing animation. The program will likely almost always detect a lot of malicious files and infected ones on your Mac. If you try to delete those files, using Mac Security Plus, however, you cannot do that and you must furst buy a full licenses before the hoax antivirus will allow you to use it for your PC. In addition to this, Mac Security will also be updated in order to state that your PC is infected and is at risk.
Security researchers strongly recommend to check your accounts Login Items because the Mac Security Plus program may be set to launch automatically each time you turn your Mac on. As there is no Dock icon for this app, it cannot be closed that easily as well and will ask you to terminate it’s processes via the Activity Monitor before you can try to remove this applicaton from your PC.
While Mac Security is running on your computer, the program will also shwo fake security alerts which are used to further scare you into believeing that your PC is compromised, like the following message:
The system is infected
Your system is infected. It’s highly recommended to cleanup your system to protect critical information like credit card numbers, etc. Unregistered Copy
Sorry, the copy of your program is unregistered. Register to have an ability to cleanup your system.
These notifications should not be trussted and you should not trust the program at all. In addition to this, Mac Security Plus may also be related to adware components, because it may also open websites and automatically start Safari browser. And the sites it opens are also dangerous and may lead to various types of risky software to be installed on your Mac.
Remove Mac Security Plus from Your Mac
If you want to make sure that you get rid of the Mac Security Plus effectively, we would recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath. They have been created to help you delete the files of the software from the ground up. Furthermore, be advised that security experts often recommend to remove Mac Security Plus preferrably by downloading an advanced anti-malware program. Since Mac Security Plus cannot be easily deleted manually, such anti-malware tool aims to detect all of it’s components and eradicate them effectively to secure your Mac.
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 Security Plus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mac Security Plus 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 Security Plus?
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 Security Plus 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 Security Plus 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 Security Plus:
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 Security Plus. 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 Security Plus. 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 Security Plus 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 Security Plus. 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 Security Plus – 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 Security Plus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mac Security Plus, 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 Security Plus FAQ
What is Mac Security Plus on your Mac?
The Mac Security Plus 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 Security Plus 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 Security Plus?
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 Security Plus?
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.
