What Is PhaseAware?
PhaseAware is an unwanted ad-supported program specifically targeting Mac users. It infiltrates macOS upon installation, bombarding the system with intrusive ad campaigns and modifying certain settings. Removing this AdLoad variant can be challenging due to the presence of a persistent agent.
Despite its initial appearance of usefulness, PhaseAware is actually designed to generate ads and gather user data. If you didn’t intentionally download it, it might have been bundled with another free program. This distribution technique is commonly known as software bundling, which you can learn more about in the provided article.
What Is AdLoad?
Initially discovered in 2018, AdLoad is a family of adware that has been found in various macOS applications. As a result, Mac users should exercise caution when installing apps from unfamiliar sources, as this adware can significantly impact system performance.
Once infiltrated, the PhaseAware Mac Adware (Virus Removal Guide) AdLoad variant generates pop-up ads and promotional messages, while also collecting user data and monitoring online activities.
PhaseAware Details
| Name | PhaseAware a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | A program that delivers lots of annoying advertisements in browsers it affects. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns could occur due to increased number of ads generated by the adware. Sensitive detials could be obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
How Did I Get PhaseCommand Installed on My Mac?
Most of PhaseCommand’s distribution methods aim to persuade users to install the program without fully understanding the potential consequences. They employ various techniques, including bundled software installers or malicious websites that deliver fake software updates. One prevalent method used by AdLoad adware variants is the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scam.
What Does PhaseCommand Do?
PhaseCommand alters the configurations of popular browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari to display more ads. However, this can significantly impact the performance and speed of your Mac and may lead to redirections to malicious webpages operated by online scammers.
Another concern while PhaseCommand is active on your device is data collection. Using various tracking technologies, the program may attempt to acquire sensitive data from affected browsers and transmit it to its servers. To prevent this adware program from displaying intrusive ads and collecting your sensitive data, it’s crucial to remove all associated files from affected browsers and your system promptly.
Is PhaseCommand a Computer Virus?
While not a computer virus per se, PhaseCommand can still pose a risk due to its characteristics as adware, potentially unwanted program activities, and backdoor capabilities. It is highly recommended to eliminate PhaseCommand from your Mac to ensure your online protection.
Is PhaseCommand Dangerous?
Mac users should exercise extra caution when dealing with PhaseCommand in the LaunchAgents folder of the Library, as its persistent nature can cause multiple issues. Completely removing PhaseCommand may require technical expertise due to the resilience of its persistence agent. Therefore, users must ensure that PhaseCommand is thoroughly eradicated from their computers.
How to Protect My Mac from PhaseCommand?
To avoid installing PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and falling victim to unwanted programs like PhaseCommand, it is essential to cultivate healthy online habits. Here are a few simple steps you can follow:
- Avoid downloading programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites, and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of hidden settings found in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Refrain from installing programs that are unnecessary.
- Stay vigilant for excessive or unusual Internet advertising, as these ads may be triggered by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read and review the terms and conditions of use when installing any programs.
- Regularly check your installed software and uninstall any applications you don’t want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program capable of detecting and removing potentially unwanted programs.
Remove PhaseCommand from Your Mac
If you wish to protect your Mac from the PhaseCommand “virus” and its associated files, our removal guide provides comprehensive instructions. It includes both manual and automated steps to help you remove the threat from your device and ensure ongoing protection. If you require further assistance, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the guide.
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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 PhaseAware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PhaseAware, 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 PhaseAware 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 PhaseAware:
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 PhaseAware. 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 PhaseAware. 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 PhaseAware 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 PhaseAware. 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 PhaseAware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
PhaseAware-FAQ
What is PhaseAware on your Mac?
The PhaseAware 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 PhaseAware?
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 PhaseAware?
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 PhaseAware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PhaseAware 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 PhaseAware?
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 PhaseAware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.