What Is MacInformer?
MacInformer (Mac Informer), also known as PUP.MacOS.MacInformer is considered a potentially unwanted program. If you don’t remember downloading the program, like some users have already shared, it was most likely included in the installer of another application. This method is known as bundling, and you can read more about it further in the article.
Bundled downloads could fill your system with adware, browser hijackers, and intrusive redirects.
MacInformer Summary
| Name | MacInformer also detected as PUP.MacOS.MacInformer |
| Type | PUP, Adware, Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Mac systems and popular browsers. The program performs browser modifications without your knowledge or consent. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may load every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Software Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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Note that MacInformer may be generating intrusive pop-ups and notifications claiming that your system needs optimization, or offering coupons and discounts. If you see such messages popping up on your screen, neglect them. Anything that a potentially unwanted program claims should not be trusted as it may lead to complications. If you click on any such pop-up, you may compromise your system in several ways.
If you are looking into ways to remove MacInformer completely from your system, jump to the latest paragraph, where you will discover the appropriate removal instructions.
MacInformer – Why Is It Downloaded on My System?
The reason you don’t recall downloading any application called MacInformer is because it was included in the installer of another freeware app. As we already mentioned, this is a popular method known as bundling. Bundling is mostly utilized for quick monetization purposes by third-party app developers. To avoid unwanted additional downloads, pay close attention to the installation steps of any application you install. Remember that even legitimate, free software can include bundled downloads. Nothing in life is free, and this is especially true for software.
Why should you avoid interacting with any content generated by MacInformer?
If you click on any of its pop-ups or notifications, you my start witnessing lots of intrusive browser redirects. Always keep in mind that unwanted redirects could link you to suspicious pages. You never know what the end result could be – varying from a persistent adware and more unwanted apps, to Trojans and ransomware.
Note that the longer a potentially unwanted program such as MacInformer is running on your system, the more vulnerable your information becomes. Potentially unwanted software is known to collect data, such as:
- Visited URLs and websites;
- Browser’s home page;
- Search queries;
- Search queries on the visited web pages;
- Type of used browser;
- Operating system type;
- Internet protocol (IP) address;
- Geographic location;
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP).
Collected data could be used for further targeted advertising, and could be sold to interested third-party advertisers.
In addition to your data being compromised, your machine’s performance could suffer as well. You may want to scan your system to be sure that it is safe.
Is MacInformer a Computer Virus?
MacInformer has been classified as a potentially unwanted program, and as such, it doesn’t fit the description of a computer virus. However, unwanted programs have been known to expose computer systems to other online threats as well as extensive data collection.
Remove MacInformer from Mac
Ti remove MacInformer along with all its entries, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents manual and automatic removal methods. To get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. It could be challenging to remove some of the files associated with the PUP, especially if you aren’t a tech-savvy user. In other words, the manual removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, drop us a comment in the comment section below.
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An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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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 MacInformer files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MacInformer, 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 MacInformer 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 MacInformer:
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 MacInformer. 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 MacInformer. 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 MacInformer 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 MacInformer. 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 MacInformer – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MacInformer-FAQ
What is MacInformer on your Mac?
The MacInformer 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 MacInformer?
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 MacInformer?
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 MacInformer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MacInformer 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 MacInformer?
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 MacInformer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.