macLauncher Adware
macLauncher is the name of a potentially undesired program of adware type. Many users who see the program in their Applications list believe that it is a virus. This is due to the fact that they have not consciously installed it on their Macs. The reason for this unpleasant issue is the fact that all potentially unwanted programs like macLauncher are being spread via shady techniques like software packages, malicious advertising and hacked websites. These techniques trick users to permit the installation of undesired apps. Some of the techniques attempt to conceal the presence of undesired apps while others present the apps as useful and reliable. The presence of undesired apps like macLauncher on your Mac operating system may lead to some serious security and privacy-related issues. That’s why security experts recommend the complete removal of macLauncher adware from affected Macs.
Threat Summary
| Name | macLauncher adware |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that appears in Applications list. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. May hijack Safari and Chrome browsers on your Mac. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display hoax search engine. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Flash Player Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss macLauncher adware. |
macLauncher Virus on Mac – What Does It Do?
macLauncher is a program that you probably didn’t download and install by your will. This the main reason why it is classified as a potentially unwanted program – it infiltrates macOS without users’ knowledge. Many undesired apps for Mac have appeared on the malware scene during the last few months. Some fresh names of undesired apps which we spotted to be lurking across the web are Trueprofit, Search Baron and Search Pulse.
You may have missed the moment when you executed the unwanted macLauncher on your Mac. This is due to the fact that potentially undesired programs like this one are usually delivered with the help of shady techniques like software bundling, corrupted freeware installers, various torrent files and others. All these techniques aim to trick you into installing unwanted programs without noticing the installation process.
Typically, adware apps are created with the goal to affect browsers installed on Mac systems. Then they can start presenting sponsored content to affected users. PUPs cause this annoying issue in an attempt to generate revenue for their owners. They apply the advertising model pay-per-click.
As soon as macLauncher manages to run its configuration files on your Mac, it implements a sequence of operations that alter essential settings that affect both system and browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, etc.). One of the issues that may come as a result of these changes is a new user profile that is used for hiding macLauncher files. This issue may make the removal of macLauncher a bit difficult process.
The adware can also create specific entries that enable its automatic start every time you start the affected system. Then the PUP can alter certain browser preferences in popular browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc. With the help of these changes, the adware becomes able to push various types of online ads in affected browsers. The advertisements displayed by macLauncher may be of the following types:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
Yet another issue that is likely to silently occur after your Mac gets affected by the so-called macLauncher virus is a privacy violation. The majority of PUPs for Mac activate different tracking technologies like cookies, scripts, web beacons, etc. to collect data Once the owners of the apps receive harvested details they can configure their advertising campaigns and set their undeisred apps to deliver targeted ads in the affected browsers.
To sum up, macLauncher is not a virus as it is not developed to compromise your system or personal data. However, as long as this program is running on your Mac, it disrupts your online security. Furthermore, its presence on the system may be misused by experienced hackers who know how to use its files to bypass active security measures and enter your system without your knowledge.
Even if all mentioned issues don’t sound so bad, it is highly recommendable to remove undesired apps like macLauncher form affected Mac. Otherwise, your system, as well as data you store on it, will remain vulnerable to future attacks.
How to Remove macLauncher Adware from Affected Safari and macOS
In order to remove macLauncher along with all entries it created on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual macLauncher removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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 macLauncher adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as macLauncher adware, 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 macLauncher adware 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 macLauncher adware:
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 macLauncher adware. 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 macLauncher adware. 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 macLauncher adware 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 macLauncher adware. 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 macLauncher adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
macLauncher adware-FAQ
What is macLauncher adware on your Mac?
The macLauncher adware 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 macLauncher adware?
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 macLauncher adware?
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 macLauncher adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this macLauncher adware 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 macLauncher adware?
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 macLauncher adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.