MacRunnerDaemon on Mac
MacRunnerDaemon is a program you probably don’t want on your Mac. In fact, it is classified as a potentially unwanted program as it tricks Mac users into installing it. In order that users can easily overlook the process, fraudsters utilize shady methods. Typically, the installers of freeware programs deliver and install PUPs. Once started on a Mac device, MacRunnerDaemon alters the settings of present web browsers. Affected by the app may be Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and others. Some significant changes might impact your online browsing as well as security.
In the event that you see MacRunnerDaemon running on your macOS, you should remove it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could continue disrupting system security and privacy as well.
MacRunnerDaemon Summary
| Name | MacRunnerDaemon |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Short Description | An undesired program that starts loading on your Mac against your will. |
| Symptoms | Main browser settings are affected. Lots of ads flood your preferred web browser. It becomes sluggish and sometimes unresponsive. Certain details are recorded by the program and sent to remote servers. |
| Distribution Method | Software Bundling, Freeware Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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MacRunnerDaemon “Virus” – What is It All About?
Many people call it a Mac virus? But is MacRunnerDaemon really a malicious program? The good news is that the app has been categorized as potentially unwanted. PUPs are spread via shady techniques that deliver them on Mac devices without users’ knowledge. Probably, that’s why many users think of it as a virus or virus related.
The installation of this app is very likely to happen unnoticeably. Unattended installations of potentially undesired apps tend to happen during the installation of desired programs. This is the so-called software bundling propagation method.
To prevent this annoying issue, it is needed that you read carefully all details mentioned in the installation setups of all newly downloaded apps. Especially free ones.
One of the most efficient advice we could give you is to select the Advanced/Custom configuration option whenever you see it available in an app setup. Access to this step could help you reveal that some extra apps are bundled and prepared for a default installation. Eventually, you will be able to opt-out of their installation.
As a potentially unwanted program (PUP), MacRunnerDaemon alters specific settings to obtain access to installed browsers and start delivering sponsored content. Typically, programs like MacRunnerDaemon flood the affected systems and browsers with coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and other types of ads. The bad news is that these ads can sometimes be designed to open malicious websites or even be connected to scripts that cause the download and installation of some unwanted/malicious software.
Applied modifications may also help it hijack browsers homepages, new tab pages and default search engines. All your searches may be forcibly redirected to fake versions of popular search engines like Yahoo and Bing. Or they could be redirected to search engines such as Search Baron and Search Marquis.
What’s more, is that the PUP may obtain the right to spy on your online behavior without notifying you about the process. For this purpose, MacRunnerDaemon may also display a fake pop-up that states something like:
‘MacRunnerDaemon’ will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
You should better do not trust this untrustworthy app and navigate to its full removal from your Mac device. The sooner, the better.
Remove MacRunnerDaemon Mac Adware
In order to remove MacRunnerDaemon along with all its files, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below you presents all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of this particular undesired program and strengthen the security of your Mac, we recommend that you combine the steps. Have in mind that files associated with this PUP may be detected with names different than MacRunnerDaemon.
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 MacRunnerDaemon files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MacRunnerDaemon, 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 MacRunnerDaemon 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 MacRunnerDaemon:
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 MacRunnerDaemon. 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 MacRunnerDaemon. 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 MacRunnerDaemon 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 MacRunnerDaemon. 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 MacRunnerDaemon – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MacRunnerDaemon-FAQ
What is MacRunnerDaemon on your Mac?
The MacRunnerDaemon 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 MacRunnerDaemon?
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 MacRunnerDaemon?
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 MacRunnerDaemon Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MacRunnerDaemon 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 MacRunnerDaemon?
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 MacRunnerDaemon threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.