Do you want to get rid of the PathNetwork app on Mac? Below you can find removal steps that will help you to uninstall unnecessary files and strengthen macOS security.
PathNetwork Mac Adware
PathNetwork is a PUP or a potentially unwanted program. It obtains access to Apple Mac devices without users knowing about the installation. The app is also classified as adware because it aims to generate ads for revenue for its developers. By showing ads on affected browsers, it lowers online security. You may be tricked to visit bogus pages.
Ads by adware like PathNetwork are sometimes related to dubious/hacked sites. Visiting such pages may pose serious danger to your macOS. Online scams, rogue apps offer pages, and download sites for malicious code are among the places you may happen to visit during online browsing.
PathNetwork Summary
| Name | PathNetwork |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application compatible with Mac operating systems. Aims to generate revenue for its developers by displaying annoying ads. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. It may replicate itself with different names. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Software Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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Issues Caused by PathNetwork Adware on Mac
Is PathNetwork a Mac virus? It is not a malicious app that will corrupt system and data. Still it is somehow dangerous for your Mac.
The installation of this adware could happen in the background of all other running processes. For this issue, fraudsters may use the help of shady methods like software bundles, bogus sites that generate fake claims and prompt for urgent updates of installed apps, misleading ads, and other rogue apps.
How to protect your Mac from adware infections in the future? Make sure to read carefully all details listed in the setups of newly downloaded apps. Check the information presented under the Advanced/Custom step and unmark all unwanted extra apps you notice. Choose wisely your download sources. Do not click on ads that look suspicious.
Once installed on the macOS, PathNetwork adware runs a series of operations that disrupt the security and enable it to contaminate installed browsers. As a potentially unwanted program, it may start spying on your online behavior as well.
This impact occurs in fraudsters’ favor. When they know what type of content you are more prone to visit, they can set their adware to present you with the same type of ads. Your visits to pages promoted by PathNetwork, in turn, will generate revenue for them.
As a result of infecting your Mac with PathNetwork adware, you may notice redirects that disrupt your browsing in order to present you with bogus offers. Affected browsers’ speed may become slower than the regular. Ads may not always link to trustworthy sources. Hence, you may visit sites that promote harmful/malicious apps.
It would be best for you and your Mac if you consider the immediate removal of PathNetwork adware. Note that the removal process should pass through a check of all extensions added to the affected browsers. Quite often, adware programs add harmful extensions to control target browsers.
Remove PathNetwork Mac Adware
To remove the PathNetwork adware program and all entries it created on the macOS, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal approaches. To entirely eliminate files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process of unwanted or harmful apps, don’t hesitate to contact us by leaving a comment in the section below.
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 PathNetwork files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PathNetwork, 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 PathNetwork 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 PathNetwork:
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 PathNetwork. 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 PathNetwork. 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 PathNetwork 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 PathNetwork. 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 PathNetwork – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
PathNetwork-FAQ
What is PathNetwork on your Mac?
The PathNetwork 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 PathNetwork?
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 PathNetwork?
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 PathNetwork Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PathNetwork 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 PathNetwork?
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 PathNetwork threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.