What Is NetworkService on Mac?
NetworkService is an app detected as potentially unwanted by the majority of anti-malware tools. The program could be encountered on Mac devices. Its main purpose is to show different ads through web browsers it affects and try to convince people to click on those ads. Mac machines that have NetworkService adware running on them are more vulnerable to additional malware infections while their owners’ privacy is exposed to the risk of theft.
Read this article if you want to see how you can remove NetworkService adware completely from your Mac.
NetworkService Summary
| Name | NetworkService also known as Adware.MacOS.NetworkService (SpyHunter for Mac) |
| Type | Adware / PUP for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify web browser settings in order to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements. Your computer might start operating slower. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. Fake software updates. |
| Detection Tool |
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NetworkService on Mac – More Information
NetworkService is typical adware that could affect your Mac in order to monetize its access to the system. It can spread its install files through bundled installers, malicious adverts, hacked sites, fake updates for programs, and vicious download links.
It is very likely that NetworkService adware has been added to the setups of other apps for macOS that you have recently downloaded on the device. This software could be advertised as a “free extra” or an “optional offer” but it surely does harm your macOS instead of improving it.
NetworkService is similar to other software of this type. We have recently detected Mac adware with the names OfficialDesign, PathNetwork and ChangingSystem.
These apps may adjust certain settings on affected Mac machines in order to present multiple types of ads. Such ads can often end up being from the following types:
- Banner promotions.
- Ad-supported searches.
- Highlighted ads in text.
- Pop-ups.
- Push notification adverts.
- Browser redirect ads.
The pages related to those ads may contain various types of tracking scripts that may access the browser to determine different information about your online activities. Then the info could be utilized so disclosed with other third parties or sold on dark web forums.
NetworkService is indirectly dangerous for your Mac and its removal is recommended.
Remove NetworkService from Your Mac
NetworkService is the type of software that can be removed if you follow the removal instructions that have been listed below. You can get rid of this adware from both your browser and your Mac. Furthermore, note that the preferable way to remove this program is by downloading an advanced anti-malware program. Experts often state that such a tool would serve for the best removal of undesired and malicious programs.
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 NetworkService Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
NetworkService Adware-FAQ
What is NetworkService Adware on your Mac?
The NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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 NetworkService 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.