What is Qbit Mac Optimizer? Is Qbit Mac Optimizer Legitimate or is it a scam? How to remove Qbit Mac Optimizer from your Mac?
Qbit Mac Optimizer is the name of an applicaton for Mac that is created by a shady company, well known for making applications that only seem helpful, but in reality cause a lot of headaches. The main idea behind Qbit Mac Optimizer is to help optimize and speedup your Mac. The bad news here is that it wants you to purchase its full version for a lot of money and enroll you into a subscription scheme to generate money to its creators. In reality, the detected errors and optimization issues may only be there to get you to upgrade to the licensed version, so that you can pay. Read this article to learn more about Qbit Mac Optimizer plus how to remove it from your Mac permanently.
Threat Summary
| Name | Qbit Mac Optimizer |
| Type | Hoax Optimzer for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Part of a large networ of PUPs. May perform various types of scans that display detections that may or may not be real just to get you to purchase its full version. |
| Symptoms | Runs automatic scans. Almost always detects viruses and errors. |
| Distribution Method | Via software bundling or by being downloaded from the official site. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Qbit Mac Optimizer. |
Qbit Mac Optimizer – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
Qbit Mac Optimizer aims to get into your Mac and gain permissions to modify files and run anytime it wants. The way it could land on your Mac is if you have downloaded it from its site, thinking it is a useful tool that can speedup your Mac:
The tool is advertised as a state of the art technology from a companny that has been in the business for 32 years – something we find to be rather strange:
Either way, when the Qbit Mac Optimizer app is installed on your Mac, it may begin to run automated scans. The outcome of these scans could be to motivate you into removing the issues that seem to cause your Mac to run slow (which may not even be true). However, to remove them, you will have to upgrade to the full version of Qbit Mac Optimizer, which costs a lot of money.
These types of programs are many in variety and most of them look the same. We have detected several seemingly hoax optimizers, like Qbit Mac Optimizer which look very similar to it:
- Auto Mac Speedup
- Smart Mac Cleaner
- Mac Speedup Pro
- Mac Mechanic
- Mac Auto Fixer
- Advanced Mac Cleaner
- Secure Mac Tuneup
All of these programs seem to operate in the same way, having some shady Privacy Policy practices and always wanting you to get the full version. But there are some suspicions when it comes to their detections being real, which should raise eybrows. This is why, we recommend that you not type your financial information when you are buying those apps and most of all, not to buy their full versions, because you could be enrolled in a subscription scheme. The best reccomendations are to remove such programs, like Qbit Mac Optimizer on sight.
Remove Qbit Mac Optimizer from Your Mac
In order to get rid of Qbit Mac Optimizer, we strongly recommend that you follow the step by step removal for Mac. It contains the necessary steps you need to take to delete this software. However, be advised, that programs, like Qbit Mac Optimizer wont go down without a fight. It may leav behind files that can still remain active and do tons of negative activities on your Mac. This is why, the most reccomended way to remove Qbit Mac Optimizer is to fully scan your computer with a reputable cleaner software, that will make sure to delete Qbit Mac Optimizer’s files and objects and make sure they are permanently gone for good.
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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About the Qbit Mac Optimizer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Qbit Mac Optimizer 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 Qbit Mac Optimizer?
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 Qbit Mac Optimizer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. macOS More Susceptible to Adware and PUPs than Windows
2. XLoader Malware-as-a-Service Now Available for macOS for Only $49
3. XCSSET Mac Malware Targets Apple’s M1-Based Macs and macOS 11
4. macOS Backdoor Malware Linked to OceanLotus Hackers
5. The State of Apple’s Privacy So Far in 2021
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 Qbit Mac Optimizer 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 Qbit Mac Optimizer:
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 Qbit Mac Optimizer. 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 Qbit Mac Optimizer. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over 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 Qbit Mac Optimizer 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 Qbit Mac Optimizer. 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 2: Remove Qbit Mac Optimizer – 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 Qbit Mac Optimizer files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Qbit Mac Optimizer, 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
Step 4: 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.
Qbit Mac Optimizer FAQ
What is Qbit Mac Optimizer on your Mac?
The Qbit Mac Optimizer 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 Qbit Mac Optimizer 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 Qbit Mac Optimizer?
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 Qbit Mac Optimizer?
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.
