MacItHappen Mac PUP Removal — How To Restore Your Mac

This article has been created in order to give you insight on how to quickly remove the MacItHappen Mac PUP from your Mac effectively.

MacItHappen Mac PUP is a dangerous malware that targets web browsers installed on Mac computers. Infections with it can cause a variety of dangerous consequences according to the specific hacker instructions. Our article will help you to understand how MacItHappen Mac PUP behaves and how you can restore infected hosts.

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MacItHappen Mac PUP Infection — How Did I Get It

The MacItHappen Mac PUP can be installed to target machines and distributed to potential victims using several popular methods.

One of the most popular ways the infection can be achieved is through interaction with hacker-made download sites. They contain advertising, rich text and/or multimedia content and domain names that are very close to the well-known vendor pages and portals familiar to all. An additional measure is the implementation of security certificates that add a sense of legitimacy.

Criminals can use email messages making use of social engineering tactics that coerce the users into interacting with dangerous elements, their use will lead to the installation of the threat. The email messages are constructed to appear like legitimate messages sent by Internet services or sites that the users may use. The installation files can be directly attached to them or linked in the body contents.

These two methods are among the main ones used to distribute infected payload carriers which are a popular route for spreading threats like the MacItHappen Mac PUP. There are two main types that are the following:

• Infected Documents — The hackers responsible for this infection can create documents leading to the installation. Targets can be the most popular user types: presentations, text documents, spreadsheets and databases. When they are opened by the victims a notification prompt will be spawned asking the users to enable the built-in code. If this is done the PUP installation will be triggered.
• Software Installer Bundles — A very popular method for spreading such infections is the use of malicious application bundles. The hackers will take the legitimate installers of popular Mac software and modify them to include the MacItHappen Mac PUP. Whenever the users install the requested software they will also receive the malicious infection.

MacItHappen Mac PUP — Full Description

MacItHappen Mac PUP is a reported infection that represents a modified copy of a legitimate utility. One of the main reasons why it is labeled as unwanted software is the fact that it is installed using malicious tactics.

Its associated malicious engine exhibits dangerous behavior by displaying intrusive advertising. This means that it can compromise the installed web browsers and manipulate their settings. The ads can be of any type: pop-ups, banners, redirects and in-line links. In connection with this the strains can access all data stored within: cookies, history, bookmarks, settings and any stored account credentials. This leads us to believe that an additional data harvesting module. There are two main categories of data that are typically grouped by security researchers:

• Private User Data — Its associated malicious engine can be used to hijack sensitive data that can be used to directly expose the identity of the victims. Example data that is hijacked includes the victim’s name, address, phone number, location, interests and any stored accounts data.
• Hardware Information — The engine may automatically collect data that can construct an unique machine ID of every compromised computer. It includes information such as a report of the installed hardware components, user settings and certain operating system environment values.

Another dangerous consequence of the MacItHappen Mac PUP is its ability to be used as a payload delivery device for other threats. A common example is the installation of Trojan instances — the intrusion will establish a connection to a hacker-controlled server that would allow the operators to spy on the users, hijack files and take over control of their machines at any given time. Infections with miners take advantage of the available system resources and launch specific scripts that run complex calculations. When the specified task is reported digital currency will automatically be wired to their wallets (accounts). Infections with ransomware and other viruses are also standard practice.

The malicious copies associated with it may not produce the desired results and result in the constant generation of the so-called “nag screens” — messages that coerce the buyers into paying money for a complete “premium” or “full” version of the program.

By using the collected personal information the MacItHappen Mac PUP can produce personalized ads that target the interests of the users. For every successful interaction the criminals will receive income. A very dangerous consequence is the presentation of phishing pages. If the PUP is configured so it can display fake login pages and redirects that can coerce the victims into entering their account details for popular services.

Remove MacItHappen Mac PUP Infection from Your Mac

If you believe that these redirects being systematic are caused by an unwanted program, then you should immediately take actions towards removing it. One such action that you can try is to follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been created with the clear purpose to help you delete any unwanted programs that may be associated with this app. If you fail to remove this app manually, you can also do so automatically by downloading and running a scan with an advanced malware cleaner. Such program aims to scan for and remove any unwanted programs and also tries to ensure future protection against such PUP and malware.

Martin Beltov

Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.

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How to Remove MacItHappen Mac from Windows.

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Step 1: Scan for MacItHappen Mac with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1.1 Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

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1.2 After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

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1.3 After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

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1.4 After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

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Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

2.1 Hold Windows key + R

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2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

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2.3 Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

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2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

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2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

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Step 3: Uninstall MacItHappen Mac and related software from Windows

Uninstall Steps for Windows 11

1 Go to the search bar and type "Add or Remove Programs" and then click it.

2 Locate the software that you want to uninstall click on the three dots and click "Uninstall" to begin the process.

3 Follow the uninstall steps until the software has been effectively removed from your computer

Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

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1 Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

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2 In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

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3 This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall" Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

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Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by MacItHappen Mac on Your PC.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by MacItHappen Mac there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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4.2 When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

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4.3 You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

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Video Removal Guide for MacItHappen Mac (Windows).

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Get rid of MacItHappen Mac from Mac OS X.

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Step 1: Uninstall MacItHappen Mac and remove related files and objects

1.1 Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

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1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

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1.3 In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to MacItHappen Mac:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

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1.4 Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

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1.5 In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to MacItHappen Mac. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

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1.6 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 MacItHappen Mac. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

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1.7 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 MacItHappen Mac 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

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 MacItHappen Mac. 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.

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Step 2: Scan for and remove MacItHappen Mac files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MacItHappen Mac, 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.

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Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for MacItHappen Mac:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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Video Removal Guide for MacItHappen Mac (Mac)

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Remove MacItHappen Mac from Google Chrome.

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Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

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Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

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Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

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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.

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Erase MacItHappen Mac from Mozilla Firefox.

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Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:

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Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

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Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

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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.

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Uninstall MacItHappen Mac from Microsoft Edge.

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Step 1: Start Edge browser.

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Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

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Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

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Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

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Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

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Remove MacItHappen Mac from Safari

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Step 1: Start the Safari app.

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Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

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Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

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Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

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Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

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Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the MacItHappen Mac will be removed.

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How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Eliminate MacItHappen Mac from Internet Explorer.

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Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

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Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

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Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

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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'.

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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.

Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers

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Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome

To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.

Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:

Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:

Step 4: Open “Notifications”:

Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:

Remove Push Notifications on Firefox

Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.

Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":

Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”

Stop Push Notifications on Opera

Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.

Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.

Step 3: Open Notifications:

Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):

Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.

Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".

MacItHappen Mac-FAQ

What Is MacItHappen Mac?

The MacItHappen Mac threat is adware or browser redirect virus.

It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.

The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer 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 OS.

What Are the Symptoms of MacItHappen Mac?

There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:

Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.

Symptom #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 Task Manager.

If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.

What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?

According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.

What to Do If I Have a "virus" like MacItHappen Mac?

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 email 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 activities 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 recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.

How Does MacItHappen Mac Work?

Once installed, MacItHappen Mac can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.

MacItHappen Mac can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.

Is MacItHappen Mac Malware?

The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.

Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.

About the MacItHappen Mac Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MacItHappen Mac how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.

How did we conduct the research on MacItHappen Mac?

Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the MacItHappen Mac threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.