Are you struggling to remove a strange program called AccessibleValue?
What is AccessibleValue?
The AccessibleValue is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that is advertised as a tool with various functions that improve online browsing. Instead of improved search results and quick access to favorite sites, the app will only activate different trackers and start harvesting data.
Then AccessibleValue may begin to generate intrusive advertisements on all sites you visit and inject them into your search results as well. It is very likely that the undesired app will try to obtain permanent access to web browsers by showing fake pop-up messages. The messages may claim that you need to take any action in order to secure your Mac. Do not interact with pop-ups generated by AccessibleValue even if they look like the legitimate messages displayed by your macOS.
All the unwanted issues caused by AccessibleValue indicate that you should better remove it from your Mac rather than keep it installed. For this purpose, we’ve added PUA removal instructions at the end of this article. Check them out.
AccessibleValue adware Summary
| Name | AccessibleValue |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that aims to hijack installed browsers. It can perform browser modifications without your knowledge, add a browser extension and generate irritating intrusive advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Some main browser preferences may be altered – the homepage, new tab page and search engine. They may be all set to display a bogus search engine. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may configure settings that enable it to start every time you start the infected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did AccessibleValue Load on Your Mac?
Most of the users whose Mac machines get affected by AccessibleValue catch the “Mac virus” by installing third-party apps. Those apps are typically hosted on questionable websites and P2P networks. The activation of PUAs such as AccessibleValue on Mac devices leads to some changes in web browser settings. Popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari may be among the affected apps.
Why Does AccessibleValue Affect macOS?
The AccessibleValue adware is a potentially unwanted application similar to SmartResultsNavigation, ExpertSearchModule and BrowserState.
All these apps are ad-supported software. Therefore, they generate banners, pop-ups, links, and other types of ads to generate revenue for their operators. The apps are involved in shady advertising networks that depend on the pay-per-click monetization model.
Being connected to shady advertising networks, AccessibleValue may present you with intrusive advertisements that can be difficult to close. But not all ads displayed by this adware could be trusted. Here comes one of the issues with keeping such types of apps on your machine. Since all their operators’ aim is to generate revenue, any security filters for the accepted promotions lack.
Hence, adware apps like AccessibleValue may show adverts that link to malicious sites that host malware and harmful scripts. Other ads may open bogus phishing sites that demand sensitive credentials. Visiting such sites may endanger the overall system security.
Your privacy may be exposed by AccessibleValue adware by the unnoticed collection of specific data as well. With the help of various tracking technologies (cookies, web beacons, scripts and log files) the app may obtain information about:
- Websites you visit.
- The home page URL of the affected browser.
- Your search queries.
- Words and phrases you search on visited web pages.
- Type of used browser.
- Operating system type and version.
- Internet protocol (IP) address.
- Your geographic location.
- The domain name of your current Internet service provider (ISP).
Apparently, the longer this PUA runs on your Mac, the more exposed you become to a variety of nasty issues. The complete removal of AccessibleValue is absolutely recommended. Navigate to the removal guide below and follow a step-by-step removal process to clean and secure your Mac.
How to Remove AccessibleValue from Mac – Instructions
In order to remove AccessibleValue along with all entries it created on your Mac system, you should complete several removal steps. By keeping the presented order you will achieve maximum efficiency. Before you begin, note that the manual adware removal might turn out to be time-consuming and complicated, so be patient. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the instructions.
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 AccessibleValue adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as AccessibleValue adware, 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 AccessibleValue adware 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 AccessibleValue adware:
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 AccessibleValue adware. 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 AccessibleValue adware. 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 AccessibleValue adware 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 AccessibleValue adware. 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 AccessibleValue adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
AccessibleValue adware-FAQ
What is AccessibleValue adware on your Mac?
The AccessibleValue adware 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 AccessibleValue adware?
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 AccessibleValue adware?
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 AccessibleValue adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AccessibleValue adware 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 AccessibleValue adware?
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 AccessibleValue adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.