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Linkey Virus – How to Remove It from Mac

by Ventsislav Krastev | Last Update: March 14, 2023 | 0 Comments

This article has been created to explain what is the Linkey Search “virus: and how to make sure that it is fully gone from your Mac.

A very well known “virus” for Macs, called Linkey has been reported to change settings on the web browsers of victims and then display different types of advertisements and show third-party search engine (search.linkeymac.com). These types of programs are characterized by security experts as [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-search-linkeymac-com-browser-hijacker/”]PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and the main idea behind them is to show different ads on your browser by changing it’s settings, including the default search page and home page. Usually such unwanted programs, like the Linkey “virus” may not be directly dangerous for your Mac. However, they may cause pop-ups, browser redirects, sponsored searchers another advertisements on your browser. These ads may lead to several unwanted websites, many of which may be of a scamming or a phishing nature. This may ultimately result in you becoming the victim of a malware attack or information theft, making Linkey as potentially harmful as a virus is. This is the main reason why you should read this article as it contains more information about how you can remove Linkey from your Mac thoroughly.

On this page:

Threat Summary Linkey Virus – How Did I Get It?Remove Linkey Virus from Your Mac

Threat Summary

Name	Linkey "Virus"
Type	Browser Hijacker
Short Description	Linkey “virus” aims to modify the settings on your Mac’s web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements.
Symptoms	Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your PC.
Distribution Method	Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Linkey "Virus".

Linkey Virus – How Did I Get It?

The main methods by which the Linkey unwanted program may spread on your Mac are the following:

The program may come as a result of being bundled with other apps’ installers.
The program may be added as a toolbar or any other similar add-on on your browser.
A malware infection may have installed it on your Mac.

The most often used strategy for distribution of apps, like the Linkey browser hijacker however is to be included in the installers of third-party programs. These programs are often free and useful apps that users install often. Some of those free apps may include the Linkey “virus” to be posing as a free program which is added as an optional offer to your current install. And this “add Linkey as a free extra” install step may be hidden in the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation option, making this unwanted program thus more easy to miss.

Remove Linkey Virus from Your Mac

If you want to remove the Linkey virus from your Mac, you should follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been created so that they assist you in removing Linkey “virus” the most effective way. Furthermore, be advised that if you do not seem to be able to remove Linkey from your Mac, the best and most effective way that is most likely to work is to run a scan on your Mac, using a malware cleanup program. Such tool is guaranteed to be able to fix different errors and settings caused by Linkey and remove all of it’s components from your Mac plus make sure that it stays protected in real-time.

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.

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 Linkey "Virus" files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Linkey "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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Linkey "Virus":

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

scan and remove mac virus step 1

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 Linkey "Virus" and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

remove mac virus step 1

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

remove mac virus step 2

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Linkey "Virus":

remove mac virus step 3

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

remove mac virus step 4

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 Linkey "Virus". If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

remove mac virus step 5

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 Linkey "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 Linkey "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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

fix mac virus from launch agents step 1

2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

fix mac virus from launch agents step 2

3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Linkey "Virus". If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

fix mac virus from launch agents step 3

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 Linkey "Virus" – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox

Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.Remove a toolbar from Google ChromeRemove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox

1. Start Safari

2. After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

3. From the menu, click on "Preferences"

Remove Mac virus from safari step 1

4. After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab

Remove Mac virus from safari step 2

5. Click once on the extension you want to remove.

6. Click 'Uninstall'

Remove Mac virus from safari step 3

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Linkey "Virus" will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

remove mac virus from google chrome step 1

2. Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

remove mac virus from google chrome step 2

3. From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the add-on and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.

remove mac virus from google chrome step 3

4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" in the top right corner and start it again.

1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

2. Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

remove mac virus from mozilla firefox step 1

3. Select the Extension and click "Remove"

remove mac virus from mozilla firefox step 2

4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" in the top right corner and start it again.

Linkey "Virus"-FAQ

What is Linkey "Virus" on your Mac?

The Linkey "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 Linkey "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 Linkey "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 Linkey "Virus" Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Linkey "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 Linkey "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 Linkey "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.