Update August 2019. This article presents an overview of the impacts that Mac Adware Cleaner could cause to your Mac. In it, you will also find removal steps for its complete removal from your affected Mac.
Mac Adware Cleaner is a potentially unwanted program classified as adware. Once started on your Mac it implements certain changes of system and browser settings in order to obtain the right to generate annoying ads of various kinds. Since it is installed on your system it could be also able to harvest sensitive data from affected browsers and transfer it to connected servers.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mac Adware Cleaner |
| Type | Rogue Application; Adware |
| Short Description | A potentially undesired program with rogue functionalities. It claims to be able to cleam Mac systems from adware while acting as a one. |
| Symptoms | This rogue program could load on each system start. Its real purpose is to generate annoying pop-ups and other kind of advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundling; Corrupted freeware installers |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mac Adware Cleaner. |
Mac Adware Cleaner -How Did I Get It
Software bundling seems to be the primary spread technique that affects users with Mac Adware Cleaner rogue program. With the help of this technique, its owners are able to bundle their deceptive program to various free third-party apps and release them across the web.
In order to trick you into running the configuration code of their app on your Mac, they skip sharing any details about its presence. In addition, they hope that you will choose the basic installation steps as they will contribute to its unnoticed installation. So one way to prevent the installation of undesired apps like Mac Adware Cleaner is the Advanced/Custom configuration step presented in app installers. Usually, there you could find information about the existing extra as well as option to opt out its installation.
Another distribution channel is its official website that is hosted on the domain macadwarecleaner.com. At this point, Google Chrome marks it with the following warning message:
- The site ahead contains harmful programs
It is marked as a dangerous website that could let attackers trick you into installing programs that harm your browsing experience. Here is what the full notification window states:
We believe that this unwanted and potentially harmful program could affect almost all of your installed web browsers. Among affected could be Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Safari.
Mac Adware Cleaner – More Information
Soon after the files of Mac Adware Cleaner are loaded on your Mac you could start noticing constant pop-ups associated with its activities. Some of them could offer you to buy its full and licensed version with a discount. Other may be designed to push another undesired and potentially harmful program.
Traits of ads generated by this rogue application could be the presence of some of the following phrases:
- Ads by Mac Adware Cleaner
- Promoted by Mac Adware Cleaner
- Ads generated by Mac Adware Cleaner
- Promotions by Mac Adware Cleaner
As we could see from the interface of Mac Adware Cleaner it claims to be an optimizer that cleans your browsers and Mac system from adware programs.
The paradox is that users’ reports indicate that this rogue program is designed to act like a typical adware itself:
I have a pop-up window whenever I’m in Google Chrome that says, “Recommended download, install mac adware cleaner”
In fact, it is a fake utility that only tries to scam you to purchase its “powerful” full version and eventually share your financial credentials. Its presence on your Mac hides real risks for the security of your personal data and devise as well. If you want to prevent it from harvesting sensitive details and damaging your Mac, you need to locate all files installed by the program and remove them.
How to Remove Mac Adware Cleaner
In order to remove the rogue system optimizer Mac Adware Cleaner and stop all annoying pop-up ads associated with it, you should complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined will help you to remove this undesired program in full from your Mac.
In case you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
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 Mac Adware Cleaner files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mac Adware Cleaner, 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 Mac Adware Cleaner 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 Mac Adware Cleaner:
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 Mac Adware Cleaner. 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 Mac Adware Cleaner. 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 Mac Adware Cleaner 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 Mac Adware Cleaner. 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 Mac Adware Cleaner – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Mac Adware Cleaner-FAQ
What is Mac Adware Cleaner on your Mac?
The Mac Adware Cleaner 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 Mac Adware Cleaner?
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 Mac Adware Cleaner?
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 Mac Adware Cleaner Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mac Adware Cleaner 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 Mac Adware Cleaner?
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 Mac Adware Cleaner threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.