What is KcsSetup? Is KcsSetup a virus or legitimate? How to remove KcsSetup from your Mac?
KcsSetup is the type of setup running in association with an adware or a virus program added on your Mac. The software is often difficult to remove and should not be trusted. Having it on your computer, means that you might see a lot of advertisements and also that your information could end up in the wrong hands. If you want to remove the KcsSetup from Mac, we strongly recommend that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | KcsSetup |
| Type | Adware/PUP/Error for Mac OS |
| Short Description | May pretend to be a legitimate setup, belonging to a company, called Kaseya, but may in fact be adware or malware. |
| Symptoms | Error messages, stating that the process cannot be removed or the app uninstalle. |
| Distribution Method | Likely done via bundling, other malware or via suspicious URLs. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KcsSetup. |
KcsSetup – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
One way via which you could have godden such a faulty Kaseya Agent is likely done by installing this an app that you believed was safe. Such apps can often turn to be virus or other forms of apps uploaded on third-party sites. They imitate legitimate apps very well. In this case it appears that we are talking about a fake KcsSetup application that is likely pretending to be a real app of some sort.
If the app is fake, then we are talking about all sorts of dangers that are likely associated with it. Such dangers could be malware infection on your Mac that could be performing the following spyware activities:
- Logging your keystrokes.
- Obtaining information on your network.
- Taking screenshots.
- Stealing passwords, saved on your web browser.
- Copying files.
Not only this, but when you try to remove this setup a long error message appears, looking like the following:
Another error message, called “Error 2” may say that the installation failed, because of missing command arguments, which again points out to the Kaseya Agent Setup being not the legitimate one or being compromised by another software on your Mac that may or may not be malicious.
Either way, having Kaseya Agent Setup, or KcsSetup to stay persistent on your Mac is a sign that you should focus on identifying if your Mac is compromised by a virus and if so, removing it.
Remove KcsSetup from Your Mac
We have created removal instructions below that could effectively help you get rid of the KcsSetup from your Mac. The first two steps below can help you delete this unwanted software manually. However, if they fail to help you out, then we recommend that you follow the automatic removal instructions and scan your Mac with an advanced anti-malware software. Such tool will make sure to help you out in removing all of those unwanted files automatically and protect your Mac against future malware and unwanted software.
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 KcsSetup files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as KcsSetup, 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 KcsSetup 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 KcsSetup:
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 KcsSetup. 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 KcsSetup. 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 KcsSetup 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 KcsSetup. 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 KcsSetup – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
KcsSetup-FAQ
What is KcsSetup on your Mac?
The KcsSetup 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 KcsSetup?
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 KcsSetup?
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 KcsSetup Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KcsSetup 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 KcsSetup?
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 KcsSetup threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.