FractionData Mac Adware
FractionData is the name of a potentially undesired program that lands on Apple devices with macOS. Since users don’t install it by request the moment they see it in the Applications list they think it some kind of a virus. Happily, the FractionData is not a virus neither a malicious software but an adware. Adware is a type of program that presents users with intrusive ads. The purpose of this annoying process is to generate revenue for its owners. It may act as a browser hijacker as well.
The presence of undesired apps like FractionData on your Mac operating system may lead to some serious security and privacy-related issues. That’s why security experts recommend the complete removal of FractionData adware from affected Macs.
FractionData Adware Summary
| Name | FractionData |
| Type | Adware, Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that appears in the Applications list on your Mac. It performs browser modifications without your knowledge. The program may hijack Safari, Chrome and other browsers installed on your Mac. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display a hoax search engine. 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, Corrupted Websites, Fake Flash Player Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FractionData Adware. |
FractionData on Mac – What Does It Do?
FractionData is a program that operates as adware. This app is compatible with Mac operating systems. It affects the settings of popular web browsers with the goal to display sponsored content and generate revenue for its developers.
It is a potentially undesired app as it accesses operating systems and web browsers installed on them without notifying users. Usually, users agree to install it by being tricked to do it.
The process is possible as there are various shady techniques that install it unnoticeably. Software packages, advertisements related to bogus sites, and fake software updates are among these methods.
Surprisingly or not at all, lots of undesired apps for Mac have appeared on the malware scene recently. Some of the most annoying and persistent undesired apps we that are lurking across the web are InterfaceSample, Search Baron and Search Marquis.
The undesired FractionData may also cause some really annoying issues like aggressive ad generation and performance slowdowns. As adware, this program initiates a series of modifications the moment it runs on a Mac. Typically, such apps affect certain settings that enable them to take control of installed browsers.
After the changes occur the adware becomes able to present people with sponsored content. By delivering ads, FractionData attempts to generate revenue for its developers. That’s why you may start noticing the following types of ads soon after FractionData affects your Mac:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
The adware can also create specific entries that enable its automatic start every time you start the affected system. Then the PUP can alter certain browser preferences in popular browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc.
Yet another issue that is likely to silently occur after your Mac gets affected by the so-called FractionData virus is privacy violation. The majority of PUPs for Mac activate different tracking technologies like cookies, scripts, web beacons, etc. to collect data. Once the owners of the apps receive harvested details they can configure their advertising campaigns and set their undeisred apps to deliver targeted ads in the affected browsers.
To sum up, FractionData is not a virus as it is not developed to corrupt your system or your personal files. However, as long as this program is running on your Mac, it lowers the security of your device.
It is highly recommendable to remove undesired apps like FractionData form affected Mac. Otherwise, your system, as well as the data you store on it, will remain vulnerable to future attacks.
How to Remove FractionData Mac Adware
In order to remove FractionData along with all its entries from the affected system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs like FractionData and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps.
The manual FractionData 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
Gergana has a bachelor's degree in Marketing. She has been with the STF team for five years, researching malware, reporting on the latest computer infections, and following digital marketing trends.
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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall FractionData 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:
- 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 FractionData 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:
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 2: Remove FractionData Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove FractionData Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FractionData 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.
FractionData Adware FAQ
What is FractionData Adware on your Mac?
The FractionData Adware threat is a potentially unwanted app or likely a Mac virus. It may slow your Mac down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of FractionData Adware on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like FractionData Adware?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from FractionData 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 website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
