What is ContentStyles?
ContentStyles has been detected to appear on Mac devices without users’ permission. It is promoted as a reliable application that enhances browsing experience but appears to be yet another adware. Adware is a potentially unwanted program that affects main browser settings in order to start spying on online activities and delivering ads based on collected data. So, ContentStyles is one of those applications you don’t need on your Mac. As long as this program is running on your system it will prevent you from browsing the web safely. Furthermore, personal data of yours may be stolen and disclosed to shady third-parties or cybercriminals.
Even though, ContentStyles is not a malicious app it endangers the overall system security. Security experts recommend the complete removal of ContentStyles from Mac operating systems.
Threat Summary
| Name | ContentStyles adware |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Mac operating systems and popular browsers like Safari and Chrome installed on them. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Affected browser is inundated with lots of annoying ads. The browser loads slower than ususal. The unwanted program may start every time you start the system. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Shady Websites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ContentStyles adware. |
How does ContentStyles adware spread? What issues does it cause on a MacOS?
ContentStyles is a program that is classified as an adware. Hence, it is not a computer virus as its main purpose is not to damage your system and files. However, it still poses certain danger to the security of the infected operating system.
ContentStyles is a potentially unwanted program that acts like a typical adware. It affects Mac operating systems by tricking users into running its configuration files. You may have installed this adware by following steps presented on a bogus website, downloading and installing freeware with a corrupted installer or simply visiting a website that triggers an installation process on the background of the browser.
Once it finds a way to gain access to a macOS it alters main browser settings without asking for permission. Then it starts delivering various intrusive advertisements like pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, in-text links, and so on. The ads may appear on almost every website you visit. However, be careful with these ads. They are not placed by the official websites’ publishers. Actually, the publishers do not know that these annoying ads appear on their websites. Hence, there is no guarantee whether these ads are associated with trustworthy offers hosted on secure websites or they load fake promotions hosted on poorly secured/dangerous websites.
Since the purpose of these ads is to lure you into visiting sponsored content, the adware is designed to collect various personal and non-personal information. So once ContentStyles tricks you into running its activation files on your Mac, it creates additional files, activates tracking technologies and starts spying on your online activities.
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.We recommend the immediate removal of ContentStyles adware from your affected Mac and browser.
How to Remove ContentStyles from Mac
In order to remove ContentStyles adware 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.
Follow Me:
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 ContentStyles adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ContentStyles adware-FAQ
What is ContentStyles adware on your Mac?
The ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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 ContentStyles 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.