What Is MapperIndex on Mac?
MapperIndex is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) for Mac detected to alter system settings and then generate ads for profit. All the different advertisements displayed by this software enable fraudsters to earn money via the pay-per-click advertising model. But this is the only goal of the creators of apps like MapperIndex. The usefulness and the security of the ads generated by their adware apps are not a priority. This, in turn, makes adware apps indirectly risky for your Mac. This is why the removal of MapperIndex is highly recommended by all security experts.
MapperIndex Summary
| Name | MapperIndex |
| Type | Adware, Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your computer. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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MapperIndex – More Information
Just like other Mac adware MapperIndex may enter a macOS via a software bundle. The setups of other freeware apps tend to feature such unwanted apps. These may be helpful apps, like media players, converters, editors, and other free software downloaded from the web outside official app stores.
Once started on your Mac, MapperIndex adware may modify installed web browsers by changing their default search engines, homepages and new tab pages. Some other browsing preferenced may also be changed. This is all done to likely show the following kinds of ads on your Mac:
- Browser pop-ups.
- Ads appearing instead of search results.
- Text-embedded advertisements.
- Banner adverts.
- Push notifications promotions.
- Redirects and transfers to third-party sites.
MapperIndex adware may also place cookies, pixels, tags, geo-location and other forms of trackers to harvest data from your browser and Mac. These small objects may remain active for years, if not removed. They could be used to obtain the following information:
- Pages visited.
- Your clicks made online.
- Bookmarked sites.
- Browser history.
MapperIndex adware may be the reason for you being presented with the following kinds of dangerous sites:
- Phishing or “Fake” sites.
- Scamming sites.
- Tech support scams.
- Virus domains.
- Endless redirect loop schemes.
- Rogue software download frauds.
- Scam surveys.
The risk of keeping an adware program on your Mac demands its complete removal.
Remove MapperIndex from Your Mac
To remove MapperIndex from your Mac we would recommend the removal instructions beneath. They are specifically designed to help delete MapperIndex from your macOS and the web browsers it has affected. The most effective solution is the use of professional anti-malware software. Such a tool is made to effectively scan your Mac and delete any malware and adware currently endangering it.
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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 MapperIndex Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MapperIndex Adware-FAQ
What is MapperIndex Adware on your Mac?
The MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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 MapperIndex 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.