This article has been created to help explain what is Mac Auto Fixer and show you how to remove the Mac Auto Fixer unwanted program from your Mac effectively.
SIDENOTE: This post was originally published in July 2019. But we gave it an update in April 2020.
It appears that the Mac Auto Fixer program is one of those apps that aim to get you to install it while believing it will fix the performance problems of your Mac. In reality, this may not be the full case of Mac Auto Fixer, since it may show information that may not be real, such as hoax detection of errors. This is usually done by hoax optimizer programs and is an aggressive move to get you to purchase the full version of Mac Auto Fixer. If you have added this app on your Mac, we recommend that you use the information in this removal guide as it aims to help you by explaining how you can effectively get rid of Mac Auto Fixer from your Mac.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mac Auto Fixer |
| Type | Rogue Antivirus |
| Short Description | May pretend to have discovered errors on your Mac but in reality might only want you to purchase it’s full version and uses your Mac security as a reason. |
| Symptoms | May run automatically and initiate system scans automatically on your computer. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mac Auto Fixer. |
PUP.MacOS.MacAutoFixer Mac Virus Attack
The PUP.MacOS.MacAutoFixer which is the alternative (definition) name of this Mac virus. The attacks continue on in April 2020 as newer configuration files have been released in the wild. Some of the latest intrusions feature a pornographic redirect which will be automatically launched by the malware. Other consequences that may be experienced by the victims:
- Browser Changes — The malware can implement changes in the setting s of the installed web browsers including the default home page, search engine and new tabs page to always show a predesigned page.
- Users Tracking — The PUP.MacOS.MacAutoFixer can be used to track the victims by using cookies and small scripts. This can be directed at the web browser sessions, the things that the users input via their mouse and keyboard and even the operating system as a whole.
- Other Virus Infections — This particular malware can be used to deploy other viruses to the Mac machines: ransomware, Trojans, miners and others.
Other behavior can also be added by the hackers at any time, this is why as soon as an infection is detected it should be removed as soon as possible.
Mac Auto Fixer PUP – Ways of Distribution
The primary distribution method used by this app is believed to be software bundling. This bundling process may include the installation files of this program alongside the installation files of another Mac software, such as your regular freeware app you may have downloaded from a third-party site.
The bad news here is that these bundling operations may not be as easy to spot as it seems, because it’s installation prompt is usually concealed in the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation mode of your current installer, where the software is advertised as a useful free app to be added “as an optional offer”.
According to most recent reports, Mac Auto Fixer can be seen to be bundled alongside other applications that have been pushing it and also on pages that may trick victims that their Mac is compromised and they should download Mac Auto Fixer immediately:
Mac Auto Fixer – Activity & Purpose
After this unwanted software has been added on your Mac, it may automatically run a scan, which usually results in multiple different detection prompts of errors. But this is not all, because besides detecting performance issues on your Mac, the Mac Auto Fixer program may also falsely report spyware and Trojan threats on your Mac, thus deceiving you into believing that your Mac is currently at risk:
But this is not all, because the program may also pretend to find the following issues on your Mac;
- Duplicate files.
- Disk usage files.
- Failed downloads.
- Flash player issues.
- System issues.
- Memory issues.
Is Mac Auto Fixer a Virus?
Many users suppose that their system has been compromised by a Mac virus when they first notice the presence of Mac Auto Fixer on the device. The truth is that this program is categorized as a potentially unwanted program that sneaks into Mac operating systems with the goal to apply certain undesired changes and then start generating annoying pop-ups, sponsored content and other types of ads. The program may be really persistent and hard to detect as well. Just like a typical malware. Add its attempt to scam users into purchasing its paid version by detecting fake issues and it becomes not less dangerous than malicious software.
After doing a checkup of the software, we have detected it to have something in common with another program of it’s type, which is known by many as [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/mac-tonic-virus-program-remove-mac/”]Mac Tonic, whose goal is to also display hoax detections in order to convince victims to order it’s full version, that costs a ton of money:
The Mac Tonic program it resembles takes the user to a payment page, where the program has an automatic subscription, draining victims’ wallets:
But Mac Auto Fixer does not stop there, because the program may also have a shady privacy policy as well, claiming that in some cases, personal information may be collected by Mac Auto Fixer by users. And this information may include your credit card details once you opt in for a full version, so we strongly suggest that you refrain from doing that and if you have already, to change your financial credentials immediately.
Other risks have also been reported by victims in relation to Mac Auto Fixer, such as:
- Difficulty to close this program.
- The program runs whenever it wishes in an intrusive manner.
- Mac Auto Fixer may request weird permissions from your Mac that are privacy-invasive.
- Removing it by “trashing” this program does not seem to give any results.
- Clicking on the “X” does not seem to close Mac Auto Fixer./span>
Furthermore, Mac Auto Fixer may be masked as a legitimate tool that is spread by Apple, but if you see its name anywhere on your Mac, we strongly suggest that you take the appropriate measures towards Mac Auto Fixer’s removal. The main reason for that is that the program may be related to other unwanted programs on your Mac that may be causing other issues in the future, such as:
- Displaying pop-ups.
- Causing browser redirects.
- Showing Yahoo or other redirect pages that contain third-party ads.
How to Remove Mac Auto Fixer Virus
Before starting to perform any removal of this program, we strongly recommend that you backup your files. The main reason for that is that you cannot fully trust this app, because it’s removal may lead to instability on your Mac in terms of performance. This is why it’s best to be safe.
To remove Mac Auto Fixer, we recommend you to follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been made with the main idea to assist you in trying to remove this software manually. If that does not seem to work, be advised that most security experts recommend using an malware cleanup program. Such anti-malware tool will scan your Mac for all of the unwanted files of Mac Auto Fixer and it’s related programs and make sure that you no longer see this app on your Mac.
Bonus: Video containing step-by-step removal and file recovery instructions for threats, like Mac Auto Fixer:
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 Mac Auto Fixer files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mac Auto Fixer, 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 Auto Fixer 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 Auto Fixer:
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 Auto Fixer. 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 Auto Fixer. 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 Auto Fixer 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 Auto Fixer. 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 Auto Fixer – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Mac Auto Fixer-FAQ
What is Mac Auto Fixer on your Mac?
The Mac Auto Fixer 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 Auto Fixer?
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 Auto Fixer?
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 Auto Fixer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mac Auto Fixer 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 Auto Fixer?
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 Auto Fixer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.