This is an article that has been created in order to explain what is Powerlift and how you can remove it fully from your computer.
Powerlift is a virus that is classified by researchers to be a potentially unwanted software. Its primary purpose is to be installed on your computer as a program that appears to be useful in one or more ways while in the same time it may also start to show all types of advertisements on your Mac. The Powerlift virus may lead you to different sites, some of which could be scam sites or malware and this is why it may be indirectly dangerous to your Mac. Read this article to learn how to remove Powerlift virus from your Mac.
Threat Summary
| Name | Powerlift Virus |
| Type | PUP for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Powerlift could begin to display multiple different redirects on user computers. |
| Symptoms | Browser redirects begin to appear. Users can see all forms of ads. |
| Distribution Method | Via software bundling. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Powerlift Virus. |
Powerlift – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The main activity of Powerlift could be involving around spreadin ads and modifying your web browsers Google Chrome, Safari or Firefox. But for this to happen, Powerlift has to be on your Mac. The software uses cunning tactics to get installed on your machine. One of them is if it comes bundled together with different types of freeware programs. These software could spread Powerlift as a “free extra” or “optional offer”, advertised in combination with the installation.
Once Powerlift virus has been installed on your Mac, it may start ot modify your web browsers. It may change their home pages and request permissions to display the following types of ads:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Browser Redirects.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Highlighted text ads.
One of the redirects it could lead to has been reported to be the following:
Powerlift virus has been created with the main purpose to show these ads. The ads themselves are not harmful, but they often lead to different third-party websites. These sites could eventually lead to dangerous types of domains, that may scam you out of your information or even infect your Mac with malware.
Remove Powerlift Virus and Try to Restore Files
Powerlift virus can be removed from your Mac if you follow the removal steps that are underneath. They have been designed to help you effectively isolate and remove Powerlift from your Mac. If you want the most effective removal, then we recommend that you download and run a scan of your computer, using an advanced anti-malware software. Such specific cleaner will scan your Mac and make sure that all of the unwanted and virus files are removed completely from 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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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall Powerlift Virus 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:
- 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 Powerlift Virus 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:
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 2: Remove Powerlift Virus – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove Powerlift Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Powerlift Virus, 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.
Powerlift Virus FAQ
What is Powerlift Virus on your Mac?
The Powerlift Virus 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of Powerlift Virus on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like Powerlift Virus?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from Powerlift Virus?
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 website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
