ContentBenefits Virus on Mac
ContentBenefits is a potentially unwanted program that can be categorized as browser hijacker. It may pretend to be useful enhances web searching experience but in fact, aims to access the browser to spy on your online behavior. The program can start delivering annoying ads on websites you visit.
To make you more prone to visit sponsored content, ContentBenefits is likely to display ads that match your online interests. In this article, we will reveal more important details about ContentBenefits, issues related to its presence on your Mac and a complete set of steps to remove it from the affected browsers and system.
Threat Summary
| Name | ContentBenefits |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Mac systems and popular browsers like Safari and Chrome installed on them. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Browser preferences may be altered without your permission. You may have hard times trying to restore browser settings. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Shady Websites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ContentBenefits. |
Techniques That Install ContentBenefits on Mac Systems
The main reason why users thing that ContentBenefits is a malicious app and call it ContentBenefits virus is its unexpected appearance on their Mac operating systems. This issue occurs due to the fact that developers of PUPs like ContentBenefits tend to spread their apps via shady techniques like software packages, freeware, bogus websites and other undesired programs like Mac Cleanup Pro.
So there is a real chance that you allowed the installation of ContentBenefits on your Mac system without noticing. To prevent the unnoticed installation of undesired programs on your Mac you should choose carefully where you download apps from and install new apps with the help of the Advanced/Custom configuration steps. Sometimes the information listed in these steps clearly states that some additional apps will be installed along with the primary program. So you can choose whether you want to proceed with the installation or not.
More Details About ContentBenefits Virus on Mac
Once executed on the system, ContentBenefits undesired app is likely to create and run specific files that have the function to alter system and browser settings without your permission. The undesired app may also drop some kind of tracking technologies that are designed to collect sensitive data from the affected device.
ContentBenefits is likely to transfer all data records to remote servers. By doing this the unwanted program enables its owners to misuse the details for aggressive advertising and financial gains. As an undesired adware program, ContentBenefits aims to generate revenue for its owners. So its presence on your Mac may be related to the appearance of many annoying ads in the browsers it affects (Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, etc). The moment you click an ad pushed by ContentBenefits “virus”, the owners of the program get paid for your click.
The ads delivered by ContentBenefits may be so intrusive that your favorite browser may become sluggish. What’s even more annoying is the regular interruption of online surfing caused by annoying redirects to questionable websites that present “special” offers. Beware with all those ads and websites because they may expose your Mac system at risk of serious malware infections. Better refrain from visiting questionable sponsored content.
Even though this adware is not a malicious program, it can trick you into visiting hacked web pages. As a result, you may become a victim of a drive-by attack and then malware infection. That’s why we recommend the immediate removal of ContentBenefits virus from your affected Mac and browser.
How to Remove ContentBenefits “Virus” from Affected Browser and macOS
In order to remove ContentBenefits “virus” along with all entries it creates on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Some of the files associated with the adware cannot be removed manually except you are an experienced computer user. So the manual adware removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
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 ContentBenefits files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ContentBenefits, 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 ContentBenefits 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 ContentBenefits:
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 ContentBenefits. 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 ContentBenefits. 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 ContentBenefits 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 ContentBenefits. 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 ContentBenefits – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ContentBenefits-FAQ
What is ContentBenefits on your Mac?
The ContentBenefits 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 ContentBenefits?
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 ContentBenefits?
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 ContentBenefits Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ContentBenefits 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 ContentBenefits?
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 ContentBenefits threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.