CentralLot Adware on Mac
The CentralLot Mac adware is a dangerous threat which can come under different types. The most common ones are the browser hijackers and standalone files which can cause different malicious actions.
CentralLot Summary
| Name | CentralLot / Division Format |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that appears in the Applications list on your Mac without your permission. |
| Symptoms | Urges you to visit annoying ads. Genrates pop-ups with fake information and activates tracking technologies to harvest data. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CentralLot. |
CentralLot Adware on Mac
The CentralLot Adware on Mac infections are dangerous virus threats which have been detected in an active attack campaign. Their most common form is the browser hijacker — a dangerous plugin specifically developed for most of the popular web browsers: Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. They are then uploaded to the relevant repositories using fake user reviews, developer credentials and detailed descriptions. This malware can also be pushed through the other distribution methods.
Other ways through which the malware is spread to the intended victims includes the use of payload droppers — they can be application installers of commonly used software, as well as macro-infected documents ranging across all popular office files. The application installers can be of all popular programs, including productivity programs and creativity suites, as well as computer games. On the other hand the documents when launched will open a prompt asking the victims to enable the built-in scripts. This will lead to the virus delivery.
Whatever the file is the criminals can “push” them through phishing campaigns — the hackers can either link or attach the files in them. Common variants are the sending out of email messages in a SPAM–like manner. The alternative is the setting up of redirects and scripts which can be easily placed in various sites.
CentralLot Adware on Mac infections will usually start by modifying the web browser settings in order to redirect the users to the hacker-controlled site.
Usually from this moment on and afterwards other components can be started. A popular choice which is implemented in most threats is the data harvesting module — it is delivered alongside the main engine. It can hijack both user and system files. In other cases system manipulation may also be engaged — this can cause performance issues and the removal of sensitive files, including backups and configuration files.
In most of the cases the CentralLot Adware on Mac will be used to install other viruses. The three most popular choices are the following:
- Ransomware — These are file encrypting viruses which are designed to find and locate user data and then process it with a strong cipher. The victim data will be encrypted and then renamed with a given extension. The victims will be blackmailed into paying the criminals a decryption fee via specially created text files or screens.
- Trojan Horse Infections — These viruses will establish a local client connection to a hacker-controlled server. This allows the criminals to take over control of the computers and steal their files.
- Web Miners — This malware category consists of web-based scripts which are programmed to download many performance-intensive tasks from the Internet. They will be run on the local computers and will have an impact on all essential components: the CPU, Memory, Hard Disk Space, Network Speed and the GPU. For every completed task the criminals will receive cryptocurrency payment.
When an active CentralLot Adware on Mac infection has been detected we recommend that it is removed as soon as possible.
CentralLot Mac Removal
Unfortunately, CentralLot 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 CentralLot adware 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.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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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 CentralLot files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as CentralLot, 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 CentralLot 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 CentralLot:
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 CentralLot. 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 CentralLot. 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 CentralLot 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 CentralLot. 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 CentralLot – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
CentralLot-FAQ
What is CentralLot on your Mac?
The CentralLot 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 CentralLot?
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 CentralLot?
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 CentralLot Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CentralLot 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 CentralLot?
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 CentralLot threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.