This article is created with the primary purpose to explain what is the virus on your computer coming as a result of the #friend e-mail.
E-mails that are titled “#friend” have been reported by security experts to spread a dangerous malware strain that may perform numerous malicious activities on your Mac. The #friend e-mails contain a web link, clicking on which may get you infected with a Trojan. The outcome of this is that the #friend virus may begin to perform a lot of different types of unwanted actions on your Mac which may result in the theft of your passwords, financial data and information you may have saved on your browser. On top of that having the #friend E-mail Trojan may also result in other viruses to be added to your Mac as well. If you have seen the #friend e-mail and have clicked on the web links provided in it or received a virus as a result of this e-mail, then we suggest that you read this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | #friend E-Mail Virus |
| Type | Trojan/Malware for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Infects Mac computers and perfoms set of malicious activities in them. |
| Symptoms | No symptoms as the malware stays silent, but the infected Mac could become slow at times and could start to behave strangely. |
| Distribution Method | Spread via e-mails, titled “#friend”. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss #friend E-Mail Virus. |
#friend E-mail Virus -How Did I Get It
The main way that is used to redistribute this nasty malware strain for Macs is via e-mails. Victims have reported the e-mails to be appearing like the following:
The e-mails may either have a malicious file or a web link that is embedded in them. If they have a file, the body of the e-mail may ask the victim to download it as an attachment, whose main idea is to download various different types of files and other objects on your Mac.
Another form of infection is via a malicious web link that may be embedded in the e-mail being sent. This web link’s main purpose could be to get you to simply click on it and once this is done, the virus may execute a malicious script which can conduct the actual infection.
Furthermore, infection could also occur as a result of the #friend E-Mails containing images or other uploaded objects which could contain malicious JavaScript. This means that simply opening the #friend e-mail message can infect your Mac.
#friend E-Mail Virus – More Information
Once the #friend e-mail virus infects a computer, the Trojan may show a pop-up to victims asking to accept permissions. In addition to this the Trojan may also create custom user profiles with changes settings on the infected Mac.
The #friend Trojan may also perform multiple different spyware activities, for example:
- Download and execute files.
- Obtain administrator password.
- Obtain apple ID and passwords.
- Steal saved passwords from accounts you have logged in while on your browser.
- Steal data directly from your Mac.
- Gain access to your microphone as well as camera.
Besides those malicious activities, the #friend virus may also be able to detect if its running on a real or a fake Mac or if it has been detected by any security software. Not only this, but this threat may be so advanced that it could also self-update and even download apps on your Mac. It is not known for certainty, but the #friend malware may also heavily modify the web browsers on the computers that have been infected by it.
Remove #friend Virus and Try Restoring Files
The #friend virus should be removed with care. If you want to try and identify and delete the files manually, then we recommend you to do that by following the removal steps below. Otherwise, you can remove the #friend virus automatically by running a scan on your computer with an advanced anti-malware software. This tool aims to make sure that the #friend ransomware is removed from your computer completely and your Mac can remain protected against such viruses in the future, too.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and 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 #friend E-Mail Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as #friend E-Mail Virus, 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 #friend E-Mail Virus 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 #friend E-Mail Virus:
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 #friend E-Mail Virus. 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 #friend E-Mail Virus. 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 #friend E-Mail Virus 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 #friend E-Mail Virus. 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 #friend E-Mail Virus – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
#friend E-Mail Virus-FAQ
What is #friend E-Mail Virus on your Mac?
The #friend E-Mail Virus 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 #friend E-Mail Virus?
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 #friend E-Mail Virus?
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 #friend E-Mail Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this #friend E-Mail Virus 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 #friend E-Mail Virus?
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 #friend E-Mail Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.