BitCoinGold App on Mac
Is the BitCoinGold app on Mac dangerous? Recent reports reveal that BitCoinGold is an app for Mac that is potentially unwanted. It has been reported to infiltrate Mac operating systems without users’ knowledge. How it can skip asking for permission is via software bundles and fake software installers.
The good news is that the app is not malicious. The bad news is that it lowers macOS security by modifying settings. The program may try to obtain access to all installed browsers and then flood them with intrusive online ads. Since the app may be misused for malicious purposes, it should be deleted with the help of a thorough removal process.
How to remove the BitCoinGold from Mac? We have listed several steps that can guide you through the process.
BitCoinGold PUP Summary
| Name | BitCoinGold also known as PUP.MacOS.BitCoinGold |
| Type | Mac Virus / PUP |
| Short Description | May enter your Mac and change default settings. Then it may begin to display various messages as well as suspicious ads. |
| Symptoms | The BitCoinGold PUP appears in the Applications on your Mac without an install process initiated by you. |
| Distribution Method | Rogue applications, Corrupted websites, Malicious advertisements, Fake FlashPlayer Updates |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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SpyHunter for Mac
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss BitCoinGold PUP. |
BitCoinGold App – Malware or Not?
In short, the BitCoinGold app won’t corrupt your macOS. However, it has been classified as a potentially unwanted application. This, in turn, means that it lowers the macOS security for as long as it is running on the system.
One of the main methods used for the spread of PUPs like BitCoinGold is fake FlashPlayer updates. Other common methods used for the distribution of potentially unwanted programs include:
- Fake software update notifications
- Freeware applications
- Corrupted/shady websites
- Bundled packages
When the BitCoinGold app runs on a Mac, it creates multiple files and objects that are programmed to alter system settings. Then the program may misuse the functionalities of certain other apps for the realization of shady advertising campaigns.
Files created and started by this app may also help it to collect different technical and other details. At worst, it could serve hackers as a gate for their malicious purposes. Malicious software like Shlayer Trojan may find their way to target Mac machines that have PUPs installed on them.
Note that the BitCoinGold app may not be removed by just moving it to the Trash. Its files may be hidden in system repositories access to which demands specific technical knowledge and skills. So you need to consider a thorough removal process and eventually use the help of a reliable anti-malware tool that will detect potentially harmful files and remove them completely from the system. Since the app may be designed to affect installed browsers as well, we recommend that check them for any present unwanted extensions.
Remove BitCoinGold from Mac
Unfortunately, BitCoinGold PUP and associated files cannot be uninstalled by simply closing the browser and dragging the undesired app to the Trash. If you want to remove the BitCoinGold virus from your Mac OS in full we recommend that you use a specific anti-malware for Mac. The main goal of such a program is to scan your operating system and terminate the files with malicious behavior. It will also clean up any malicious code in your repositories. With a specific anti-malware program, youр Mac will be protected better in the future.
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 BitCoinGold PUP files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as BitCoinGold PUP, 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 BitCoinGold PUP 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 BitCoinGold PUP:
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 BitCoinGold PUP. 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 BitCoinGold PUP. 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 BitCoinGold PUP 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 BitCoinGold PUP. 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 BitCoinGold PUP – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
BitCoinGold PUP-FAQ
What is BitCoinGold PUP on your Mac?
The BitCoinGold PUP 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 BitCoinGold PUP?
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 BitCoinGold PUP?
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 BitCoinGold PUP Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BitCoinGold PUP 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 BitCoinGold PUP?
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 BitCoinGold PUP threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.