What Is NetworkSync Adware
NetworkSync is an adware that may appear on Mac computers. This ad-supported software is mainly responsible for heavily modifying your web browsers and causing tons of different ads on your computer. The ads that may be displayed by NetworkSync could not always lead to legitimate sites as they are often shown purely for profit. This is often how you may end up being redirected to different third-party sites that could be dangeorus. This includes virus-infested domains, scam URLs, phishing and other risky sites. This is why it is recommended to focus on removing NetworkSync from your Mac as soon as possible.
Read this article to learn how to remove NetworkSync from your Mac completely.
NetworkSync Summary
| Name | NetworkSync |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP / Scam Redirect |
| 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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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss NetworkSync. |
NetworkSync Mac Redirect Activity Report
NetworkSync is the type of software that has been designed to show ads, just like the recently detected Mac adware AccessibleTask, MediaCapital and RotatorBox.
NetworkSync may be installed on your Mac via several different methods. One of the most used methods by such adware is to get added as an optional offer to the installers of other free software, like media players, file converters and others. The way this works is for NetworkSync to get included in one of the install steps of the “Advanced” installation mode, where it is easy to miss and this is how you may not even remember having it on your Mac.
Once NetworkSync is installed on your Mac, its first deed is to modify the settings of your web browsers and the Mac itself. The main problem with this is you could start seeing ads, like the following:
- Browser pop-up ads.
- Third-party site redirects.
- Web banners.
- Push promotion pop-ups.
- Ads that show up instead of search results.
- Highlighted text ads.
On top of that, this software could also be responsible for a number of trackers – small files with years of expiration date dropped on your Mac and designed to track what you do online to show you ads on your language and based on your interests. Such trackers include cookies, geo-location trackers, pixels, tags and others and they could obtain the following information from your Mac:
- Your search history.
- Where you have clicked online and what your mouse movements are.
- Which pages you have visited.
- Your browsing history.
- Sites that are bookmarked.
NetworkSync is a problem for your Mac mainly because the ads it shows could sometimes lead you to unverified and unchecked websites. These could be very risky, for example:
- Fake surveys.
- Fake or phishing sites.
- Viruses and other malware.
- Fraud websites.
- Fake software download sites.
- Endless redirect schemes.
- Fake tech support scams.
This is the main reason to consider removing NetworkSync from your Mac.
Remove NetworkSync from Your Device
In order to remove NetworkSync from your Mac, it is strongly recommended that you follow the removal instructions that have been created underneath this article. They have been made so that you can get rid of NetworkSync from your Mac completely from your browsers and your macOS. Be advised that the most recommended way to remove NetworkSync from your Mac is to scan your Mac using advanced anti-malware software. Such a program has been designed to scan macOS and automatically get it rid of any malware, trackers and adware that might currently be residing in it.
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 NetworkSync files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as NetworkSync, 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 NetworkSync 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 NetworkSync:
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 NetworkSync. 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 NetworkSync. 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 NetworkSync 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 NetworkSync. 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 NetworkSync – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
NetworkSync-FAQ
What is NetworkSync on your Mac?
The NetworkSync 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 NetworkSync?
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 NetworkSync?
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 NetworkSync Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NetworkSync 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 NetworkSync?
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 NetworkSync threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.