When the message “hlpradc will damage your computer” keeps popping up again and again on your Mac, you should check your operating system for any present harmful files. This persistent message has been reported to harass Mac users who have inadvertently installed a potentially unwanted application on their computers. The main idea behind hlpradc is the creation of multiple different types of files and objects on computers. Then these malicious entries may be used for the collection of different information and the installation of malicious software.
Threat Summary
| Name | Hlpradc |
| Type | Virus for Mac OS |
| Short Description | May enter your Mac and begin to display an error message, claiming that a file is harmful and should be moved to Bin. |
| Symptoms | An error message claiming it blocked hlpradc on your Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Rogue applications, Corrupted websites, Malicious advertisements |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Combo Cleaner
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Hlpradc. |
Hlpradc Virus – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
Our team detected that hlpradc error message along with navlibx and several other messages belong to the so-called “Will damage your computer” series of errors. These messages feature a file name or an app name in brackets, for example “hlpradc” followed by the message “will damage your computer.” Here is a picture of the annoying “hlpradc will damage your computer” pop-up message that is currently an evolving threat:
All hlpradc error message reads is:
hlpradc will damage your computer. You should move it to the Bin.
The file was downloaded on an unknown date.
Report malware to Apple to protect other users.
The message is so persistent that each time you click Move to Bin button it just comes back. The main idea of this error detection is to signal for a file that may expose your MacOS at risk of malware infection. Apparently, it is designed to resemble the official notification window generated by the built-in technology Gatekeeper. Gatekeeper is a macOS technology designed to prevent you from inadvertently installing garbage software.
Here is what pop-up will be generated by the Gatekeeper when it detects an app with revoked developer signature or certain specific malware that is present in Apple’s malware definitions:
The sudden appearance of hlpradc virus message on prevails on Mac devices that are running the latest update of the operating system known as Catalina. But what is causing hlpradc message to pop-up on screen?
Helpermcp may be an app dropped silently by another potentially unwanted program like Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Cleanup Pro, etc. It may not have any apparent mechanism for being launched but only file traits. Some files associated with this threat may be found and deleted from the following folder locations:
- ~/Library/Application Support/adc/hlpradc
- ~/Library/Application Support/adc/com.adscleaner.hlpradc.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.adscleaner.hlpradc.plist
Running software that hasn’t been authorized by a trustworthy developer may expose your computer and personal information to malware that can harm your Mac or compromise your privacy. So it is best to consider the immediate removal of hlpradc virus and associated files from the affected Mac.
Remove Hlpradc Virus from Your Mac
Unfortunately, hlpradc and associated files cannot be uninstalled by simply closing the browser and dragging the undesired app to the Trash. If you want to remove the hlpradc virus from your Mac OS in full we recommend that you use a specific anti-malware for Mac. The main goal of such a program is to scan your operating system and terminate the files with malicious behavior. It will also clean up any malicious code in your repositories. With a specific anti-malware program, youр Mac will be protected better in the future.
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 Hlpradc files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Hlpradc, 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 Hlpradc 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 Hlpradc:
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 Hlpradc. 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 Hlpradc. 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 Hlpradc 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 Hlpradc. 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 Hlpradc – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Hlpradc-FAQ
What is Hlpradc on your Mac?
The Hlpradc 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 Hlpradc?
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 Hlpradc?
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 Hlpradc Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Hlpradc 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 Hlpradc?
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 Hlpradc threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.