Do you want to remove ExploreActivity app from your Mac? This guide shows all the steps that will help you to get rid fo this program and strengthen macOS security.
ExploreActivity Mac Adware
What is ExploreActivity? It is a program for Mac that has been reported to act like adware. It is considered to be a potentially unwanted program (PUP) because it lands on Apple Mac devices without making the owners aware of the process.
By operating as an adware program, ExploreActivity endangers the overall system security with lots of bogus ads. Adware is a potentially unwanted program that tries to monetize its presence on an affected system by delivering sponsored content. Adware developers, however, neglect the security advertising aspect and include ads that link to unreliable sources.
This, in turn, means that you may be presented with dubious/hacked sites that host online scams, rogue apps, and malicious software. Interacting with such sites may put your device at risk of malware infections.
ExploreActivity Summary
| Name | ExploreActivity also known as Adware.MAC.Generic.20044, MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj], Program:MacOS/Uwamson.A!ml, Mac/Adware.Generic.HmYASO4A |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application compatible with Mac operating systems. Aims to generate revenue for its developers by displaying annoying ads. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. It may replicate itself with different names. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Software Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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Issues Caused by ExploreActivity Adware on Mac
Regarding the installation of ExploreActivity, it tends to happen in the background of all other running processes. This is typical for all types of Mac viruses including adware. The issue is possible to happen via shady propagation methods like software bundling, sites that generate fake pop-up notifications, misleading ads, and other rogue apps.
The good news is that ExploreActivity adware does not act maliciously. Still, it lowers the macOS security by running on it. How does ExploreActivity impact a macOS?
Once started on a Mac device, the adware performs a variety of unwanted changes without asking for permission. All the changes it applies, make the system more vulnerable to future malware intrusions.
On the one hand, the ads it will generate on affected browsers may be part of shady advertising schemes. If so, you may happen to open a page that contains a malicious script that downloads and installs unwanted/harmful apps on the Mac.
On the other hand, ExploreActivity may also add some tracking technologies to your main browser and start spying on your online behavior. Purposes for data collection vary. Fraudsters may try to bombard you with ads that match your interests so that you are more prone to visit them or sell data records to unknown third-parties.
Either way, it would be better if you perform a thorough removal process of ExploreActivity right now.
Remove ExploreActivity Mac Adware
To remove the ExploreActivity adware program and all entries it has created on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal approaches. To entirely eliminate files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps.
Keep in mind that inexperienced computer users may face difficulties while removing some of the adware files. 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 removal and get rid of ExploreActivity adware with the help of an advanced anti-malware tool.
How to protect your Mac from adware in the future? Make sure to read carefully all details listed in the setups of newly downloaded apps. Take a special look at the information presented under the Advanced/Custom step. Doing this will help you notice unwanted extra apps and opt-out of their installation.
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 ExploreActivity files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ExploreActivity, 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 ExploreActivity 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 ExploreActivity:
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 ExploreActivity. 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 ExploreActivity. 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 ExploreActivity 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 ExploreActivity. 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 ExploreActivity – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ExploreActivity-FAQ
What is ExploreActivity on your Mac?
The ExploreActivity 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 ExploreActivity?
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 ExploreActivity?
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 ExploreActivity Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ExploreActivity 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 ExploreActivity?
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 ExploreActivity threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.