An app called DataQuest is a potentially unwanted program that gets installed on Mac operating systems without users’ knowledge. This issue occurs with the help of shady methods that trick users into installing it unwittingly on their Macs.
DataQuest
DataQuest is a potentially unwanted program that acts like an adware. Undesired programs like DataQuest are famous for their ability to alter browser settings, push annoying ads and harvest data. So, as long as this program has access to your installed browsers, it will be presenting annoying ads on almost all websites you visit. It is recommendable that you avoid visiting sponsored results generated by DataQuest adware. Since the main goal of this app is to trick you to click ads, it can be delivering various misleading ads related to hacked websites. Some of the promoted websites may attempt to lure users into installing additional undesired/rogue/harmful apps.
Keep up with our DataQuest adware removal guide and find out how to get rid of all potentially harmful files. The steps in this guide are applicable to all Mac operating system versions.
Threat Summary
| Name | DataQuest adware |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks web browsers installed on Mac. The app applies modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Main browser preferences may be altered. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss DataQuest adware. |
DataQuest Adware – Spreading Techniques and Impact
DataQuest is an adware designed for Mac OS. Like many other nasty adware apps that target Mac operating system (Search Pulse, Receiver Helper, and Navlibx, DataQuest gets installed with the help of various shady spread techniques like software bundles, software packages, scam websites, misleading ads, and so on. That’s why the app gets installed on Macs without the knowledge of their users.
One of the most common techniques used for the spread of DataQuest is the Fake Flash Player Update Pop-up. This scam pop-up has been pushed on various suspicious websites on the web.
The main purpose of this potentially unwanted program is to alter some main browser settings in order to become able to spy on your online activities and deliver ads related to your interests. All popular browsers including Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Opera may be compromised by the undesired app.
The program can also be set to modify your homepage, new tab page and default search engine by setting a Yahoo redirect virus or Bing redirect virus to appear, just like a browser hijacker. After the changes, the app becomes able to spy on all search queries, visited websites and clicks on ads.
By activating additional tracking technologies, the DataQuest may also collect:
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
Once DataQuest collects the details, it connects to a remote server to transfer the data. Then the owners of this app become able to deliver sponsored content that matches your online interests. As a result, your affected web browser may be inundated with many annoying online ads. These ads may appear on almost all websites you visit. Beware that website owners do not know that sponsored content by DataQuest appears on their websites. Eventually, there is no guarantee that the promoted content is reliable and secure. For the sake of your online security, it is good to refrain from visiting promoted pages.
Why do some users call DataQuest a virus? Is it really dangerous for systems it affects? One thing that explains the origin of the term DataQuest virus is its unexpected appearance in Mac Applications lists. Since users have no memories of the installation process of this program they consider it a virus. The good news is that DataQuest is not a program that will damage personal files or essential system components. However, it still poses a certain danger to the overall security of the affected system. Its presence on your Mac may lead to serious issues that affect both system and personal data security. To avoid such unpleasant consequences, navigate to the removal instructions below and get rid of this undesired program.
How to Remove DataQuest Adware from Affected Browser and macOS
In order to remove DataQuest along with all entries it created 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. The manual DataQuest 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 DataQuest adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
DataQuest adware-FAQ
What is DataQuest adware on your Mac?
The DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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 DataQuest 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.