What Is ParameterNetwork Mac?
ParameterNetwork is the name of an adware program that infects Mac machines without leaving any traits of infection. Being classified as a PUP, it lowers macOS security and exposes private data to the risk of theft. The software is not malicious but its purpose to monetize its presence on infected systems may expose you to the risk of visiting different types of vicious sites. Ads shown by adware applications may not only be misleading but also dangerous. Beware.
Read this article to learn how you can remove ParameterNetwork adware completely from your Mac and secure it against future malware infections.
ParameterNetwork Mac – Details
| Name | ParameterNetwork also known as Adware.MacOS.ParameterNetwork |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your device 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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ParameterNetwork Adware – How Did I Get Infected?
ParameterNetwork adware belongs to the AdLoad family of threats for Mac. The program acts in a similar way to other apps belonging to this family of threats like ActiveProcess, LoginCheck, and AnalyticDeal. Another similarity that ParameterNetwork and other potentially unwanted programs share is the distribution strategy. All methods used for the spread of PUPs aim to deliver them without any information about the installation process. Software bundling is the main method used for unnoticed installs:
Another approach is web pages that advertise PUPs as important security updates for legitimate application likeAdobe Flash Player. Some types of software that promise to keep your Mac up-to-date may also add an undesired program on macOS as an extra. Usually, these applications often can appear on web pages, like the following:
ParameterNetwork – What Does It Do?
The install of ParameterNetwork adware on your computer system can happen without any signs. It may begin to modify the settings of your web browsers. Then it can start displaying advertisements of the types mentioned below:
- Custom search result ads.
- Third-party transfers.
- Browser pop-ups.
- Highlighted text links.
- Banner promotions.
- Push notification pop-ups.
Another issue that may occur after the installation of ParameterNetwork adware on your Mac is the activation of different types of tracking technologies. These data trackers may obtain various kinds of information. Information about what you do online, what apps you install, what software versions you keep on the system, and so on can be obtained from the device. Cookies are part of these technologies and here is how they appear when added to a web browser:
Tracking technologies are often used by undesired programs for supporting shady advertising campaigns. Hence, they may collect a lot of information from your web browser and you may have no way of knowing what happens next with all those sensitive details of yours:
- Pages you have visited.
- Mouse movements and clicks.
- Websites that are bookmarked.
- Browsing history.
- Search history.
Is ParameterNetwork a Virus?
ParameterNetwork is an adware. Adware applications are not malicious. But they might be just as dangerous as viruses. The main threat comes from the ads they show. Some of them could lead to several dangerous websites which could compromise your macOS severely:
- Scam survey pages.
- Phishing domains.
- Rogue software or scam software download URLs.
- Scam domains and pages.
- Multiple pay-per-click browser redirects that lead to dangerous sites.
- Virus websites or malicious URLs.
- Fake tech support pages.
This is why it is strongly recommended to read the following guide as it contains steps that have been created to help you remove the software completely.
How to Remove ParameterNetwork from Mac?
To remove ParameterNetwork from both your web browsers and your device, we would strongly recommend that you pay attention to the removal instructions that have been laid out beneath this article. The steps are made with the main idea to best assist you in cleaning up all of the files that are set by the software on your Mac. In order to achieve the best possible removal, security professionals often advise scanning your Mac using an advanced anti-malware program. Such professional security software is designed to clean up all of the junk files and malware from your Mac completely.
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 ParameterNetwork files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ParameterNetwork, 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 ParameterNetwork 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 ParameterNetwork:
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 ParameterNetwork. 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 ParameterNetwork. 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 ParameterNetwork 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 ParameterNetwork. 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 ParameterNetwork – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ParameterNetwork-FAQ
What is ParameterNetwork on your Mac?
The ParameterNetwork 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 ParameterNetwork?
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 ParameterNetwork?
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 ParameterNetwork Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ParameterNetwork 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 ParameterNetwork?
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 ParameterNetwork threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.