What Is NetworkHelper?
NetworkHelper has been classified as an adware-type of application but it could also be put in the browser hijacker category. It’s main idea is to display different types of ads that may promote web pages which are capable of leading you to scam sites or even websites that may infect your computer with malware.
Furthermore, NetworkHelper may also use different types of tracking technologies such as cookies, pixels or others in order to determine information about your online activities so that they can target you with different advertisements. Read this SensorsTechForum.com guide as it will help you to learn more about how NetworkHelper works and how you can remove it from your computer.
NetworkHelper Summary
| Name | NetworkHelper |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / Adware |
| 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 machine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss NetworkHelper. |
NetworkHelper Virus Redirect Mac – Activity
In order to enter your Mac NetworkHelper may use different types of tactics. One of the most often used strategies for these apps to slither into your Mac is called bundling. It is characterized by the app having to hijack the installer of another third-party free application you may have downloaded from a third-party website with a low reputation. Usually, you may encounter the NetworkHelper app somewhere in the advanced or custom installation options of an app you may be trying to install. There this application may be advertised as a free additional extra to the current installation process. This is a very often used strategy as it is a form of aggressive advertising and pushing other apps via the installers you may have downloaded and you can easily miss such applications as they’re located in the Advanced or Custom install steps.
Either way, once NetworkHelper has been added to your Mac it may immediately start to collect different types of information by why using tractors and other technologies. These technologies may determine information such as:
- Your browsing history.
- Your online clicks.
- Your most visited websites.
- Your bookmarks.
- Information from the websites that you log into.
The NetworkHelper application may also try to change your web browsers settings and assume permissions to read and change data on the websites you visit. This allows it to show different types of ads such as:
- Banners.
- Surveys.
- Coupons.
- Pop-ups.
- Highlighted text advertisements.
- Push notifications ads.
- Browser redirects.
These ads shown by this app may generally slow down the performance of your computer. But the main risk of having them on your Mac is that they might lead to a scam site or even a virus website that may infect your Mac with dangerous malware. This is why this application has been categorized by experts as an indirectly dangerous app and its removal is strongly recommended.
How to Remove NetworkHelper from Mac
If you want to remove NetworkHelper from your Mac thoroughly, with strongly recommend that you follow the removal steps in the guides below. They have been created to help you isolate and then delete all of the files of this unwanted application from your Mac and security against future viruses as well.
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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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 NetworkHelper files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as NetworkHelper, 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 NetworkHelper 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 NetworkHelper:
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 NetworkHelper. 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 NetworkHelper. 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 NetworkHelper 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 NetworkHelper. 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 NetworkHelper – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
NetworkHelper-FAQ
What is NetworkHelper on your Mac?
The NetworkHelper 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 NetworkHelper?
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 NetworkHelper?
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 NetworkHelper Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NetworkHelper 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 NetworkHelper?
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 NetworkHelper threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.