This article aims to explain what is the ApplicationWork virus for Mac and show you how to detect and remove this virus completely from your Mac.
New malware for Mac users was recently detected to haunt users. The malware can be recognised by the Application.work or ApplicationWork.app objects created on the affected Macs. The main goal of this malware could be to perform spyware activities on the computers infected by it and also steal critical information. Another scenario is that this virus may also introduce a lot of ads during browsing and collect browser information. Either way, the removal of ApplicationWork is stronlgy reccomended. Read this article to understand more on ApplicationWork and how you can effectively remove it from your Mac.
Threat Summary
| Name | ApplicationWork |
| Type | Malware for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to slither in the form of an app in order to perform Spyware activities and/or introduce ads on the infected Mac. |
| Symptoms | No symptomps, only the ApplictionWork.app working actively on the computers of victimms plus an added extension in Safari and other browsers. |
| Distribution Method | Likely via software bundling or by pretending to be a legitimate App in the AppStore. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ApplicationWork. |
ApplicationWork – How Did I Get It
There is more than one ways via which the ApplictionWork app may have landed on your Mac. One of the versions is if you have downloaded it from the AppStore. Many malicious apps have been downloaded from the AppStore, while pretending to be legitimate ones. In addition to this, the ApplicationWork app may also land on your Mac as a result of software bundling. Software bundling is basically when you try to install another free app and somewhere in its setup process, ApplicationWork may appear in the form of a “free extra” or “optional offer”, added to the install process.
Another mean of distribution which may also be used by ApplicationWork could be if the program is added on the computer of the victim by being downloaded from a site, that is advertising it as a legitimate app aiming to help improve the application experience on your Mac in some way. Usually some unwanted programs, like Secure Mac Tuneup or others of those type are falsely advertised on the web as useful programs, but they could turn out to be exactly the opposite.
ApplicationWork Malware – More Information
There is a lot of mystery surrounding the real purpose of ApplicationWork malware. For one, it could be a PUP, created to show different types of ads on your browsers:
- Redirects.
- Banners.
- Text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
Another scenario is if the ApplicationWork malware is in fact a Trojan, which is the most likely scenario. If so, the ApplicationWork malware can perform the following virus activities on your Mac:
- Take screenshots.
- Copy files.
- Obtain information from your browser.
- Obtain passwords and AppleID.
- Steal financial information.
- Log the keystrokes you type.
In addition to this activities, the ApplicationWork malware may also check if there are other devices connected to your Mac and may also relay information to its C&C server.
The malware could also self-update itself to remain undetected and run active processes without you even noticing. ApplicationWork may also be the type of malware that could be capable of downloading and running various different types of files and objects on your computer, including other viruses. One possible sign of presence of a virus as a result of having ApplicationWork added could be that it may ask you to give it permissions over your Mac. If so, you should not allow it any permissions what so ever.
The ApplicationWork malware could be seen in two main forms:
- Application.Work file.
- ApplicationWork.app file.
But there may also be other objects that could be related to ApplicationWork malware app.
Remove ApplicationWork Malware from Your Mac
If you want ApplicationWork gone, then we recommend that you follow the removal steps down below. They have been created to help you locate and delete the files as well as browser extensions that may be related to ApplicationWork malware. The main idea behind them is to help you to manually do that. However, be advised that the ApplicationWork threat may be persistent and may remain active on your computer even if you remove its virus files. This is why we stronlgy recommend that you download an advanced anti-malware software, like the one below. It has been created to help you remove the ApplicationWork threat completely and safely and also to protect your Mac against future infections.
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 ApplicationWork files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ApplicationWork, 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 ApplicationWork 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 ApplicationWork:
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 ApplicationWork. 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 ApplicationWork. 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 ApplicationWork 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 ApplicationWork. 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 ApplicationWork – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ApplicationWork-FAQ
What is ApplicationWork on your Mac?
The ApplicationWork 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 ApplicationWork?
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 ApplicationWork?
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 ApplicationWork Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ApplicationWork 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 ApplicationWork?
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 ApplicationWork threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.