What Is Package Tracking Tab
Package Tracking Tab is the type of program, whose main purpose of the activity is to get users to see as many ads as possible because this is how these apps may generate profit. It may seem legitimate and helpful at first, but security experts have classified this app as a browser hijacker and an indirectly risky app for your Mac. The main reason for that is this software is very likely to display ads that may lead to risky sites, which makes it a problem for your device.
Read this article to learn how to remove Package Tracking Tab from your Mac effectively.
Package Tracking Tab Summary
| Name | Package Tracking Tab |
| 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 Package Tracking Tab. |
Package Tracking Tab Mac Redirect Activity Report
Package Tracking Tab is a browser redirect that may appear on Mac devices. It’s main idea is to make money based on the ads it shows you. These ads are no different than any other adware, including the recently detected Private Video, StartEssentials and Protectad.online for Mac. They could be of the following types:
- Sudden redirects to third-party sites.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Highlighted text leading to third-party sites.
- Banners appearing on the sites you visit.
- Push notification ads.
- Pop-up ads
But how does an app, like Package Tracking Tab end up on your Mac in the first place? These programs may be added as offers in one of the install steps of any randomly downloaded freeware from a third-party site, like a file conversion app, media player, image or video editing app, etc. The way this works is for the installation step to be added in the “Custom” setup mode and since many users click on “Express Install”, this step is often skipped and this is how you may not even realize Package Tracking Tab is installed on your Mac.
Package Tracking Tab may use various types of pixels, geo-locators, cookies, tags to obtain information from your Mac. These are small files that are dropped on your Mac and used to obtain infromation from it, such as:
- Your click and mouse movement history.
- Where you visit.
- What is your browsing history.
- The phrases you have searched for.
Package Tracking Tab is the type of application that may profit from the ads it shows and its developers dont even care what it is they push on your Mac as long as they get paid for it. This is often how many users may land on dangerous websites as a result of ads shown by apps, like Package Tracking Tab. Such sites could be of the below-mentioned types:
- Scam domains.
- Fake web pages.
- Different kinds of malware URLs.
- Sites that offer rogue software downloads.
- Multiple redirects that may contain viruses.
- Survey frauds and such scams.
- Fake tech support.
And while it may not be a virus, this program may just as dangerous, because it may bring such on your Mac, eventually, which is why removal of it is advisable.
Remove Package Tracking Tab from Your Device
Package Tracking Tab is the kind of program that may not be directly a virus but could be just as dangerous. This is the main reason why its removal is recommended, preferably by following the guide steps below. They will help you uninstall Package Tracking Tab from your macOS and delete its presence on your web browsers. For the best automatic solution, we recommend the same experts would tell you and that is to scan your Mac using an advanced anti-malware software for Mac. Such a program is created with the main idea to thoroughly check your Mac and delete any trackers, adware, and viruses so that your device is fully secure.
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 Package Tracking Tab files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Package Tracking Tab, 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 Package Tracking Tab 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 Package Tracking Tab:
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 Package Tracking Tab. 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 Package Tracking Tab. 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 Package Tracking Tab 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 Package Tracking Tab. 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 Package Tracking Tab – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Package Tracking Tab-FAQ
What is Package Tracking Tab on your Mac?
The Package Tracking Tab 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 Package Tracking Tab?
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 Package Tracking Tab?
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 Package Tracking Tab Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Package Tracking Tab 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 Package Tracking Tab?
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 Package Tracking Tab threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.