Update August 2019. What is Putlocker virus? How does Putlocker virus infect users? How to stop Putlocker virus from infecting your Mac?
Putlocker virus is the name of not one but several threats that may derive from visiting a fake version of the notorious site Putlocker. The website itself was used for streaming of various different types of TV shows and series as well as movies, but it got shut down couple of years back. Since then, many sites, just like Putlocker got created which cause redirects by clicking on the “Play” button of a video you have found online of a TV show you want to watch. Since these redirects often cause different intfections, it Is reccomended to read this article and learn how to remove Putlocker virus from your Mac.
Threat Summary
| Name | Putlocker Virus on Mac |
| Type | Virus Redirect for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Fake versions of the website Putlocker lead to third-party sites that may cause malware infection. |
| Symptoms | You may see a redirect by clicking on a fake Play button for a movie you are trying to watch online. |
| Distribution Method | Via fake versions of the site Putlocker. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Putlocker Virus on Mac. |
Putlocker Virus on Mac – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
Just like the Putlocker Virus on Windows, Putlocker virus can also use the same methods of infecting victims – via fake versions of the site. We are talking about set of viruses from all types that can infect your Mac by simply clicking “Play” on a Putlocker video or receiving a redirect while watching the video itself:
Unlike the original Putlocker site, which was not cramped up with ads, the fake version can often cause different ads to appear on your computer, such as:
- Pop-ups.
- Redirects.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Push notification ads.
The primary goal of the Putlocker virus site is to show you ads that can lead to sites that can be dangerous in various different ways. The sites to which you can be led to are very dangerous and in most cases the following types:
- Redirect sites which lead to scam pages.
- Malware-infested domains.
- Redirects to a phishing page(fake Facebook login or others).
- Sites that cause drive-by download of malware.
- Sites that ask you to allow push notifications or that download an adware app or browser extension that is ad-supported.
- Sites that advertise a fake antivirus or a rogue program.
- Texttt
How to Remove Putlocker Virus from Your Mac
In order for you to get rid of the Putlocker virus from your Mac effectively, we do recommend that you follow the removal steps that are posted underneath. They have been created with the primary goal of getting you to delete this virus step by step. If you cannot locate the source of the virus, we strongly recommend that you download and run a scan of your Mac using a professional cleaner software, that has the capability of scanning your Mac and removing all virus files from it to secure it effectively.
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 Putlocker Virus on Mac files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Putlocker Virus on Mac, 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 Putlocker Virus on Mac 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 Putlocker Virus on Mac:
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 Putlocker Virus on Mac. 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 Putlocker Virus on Mac. 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 Putlocker Virus on Mac 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 Putlocker Virus on Mac. 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 Putlocker Virus on Mac – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Putlocker Virus on Mac-FAQ
What is Putlocker Virus on Mac on your Mac?
The Putlocker Virus on Mac 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 Putlocker Virus on Mac?
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 Putlocker Virus on Mac?
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 Putlocker Virus on Mac Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Putlocker Virus on Mac 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 Putlocker Virus on Mac?
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 Putlocker Virus on Mac threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.