MacSweeper is one of the oldest rogue applications for Macs. Developed by KiVVi Software, the MacSweeper program has been plaguing users for years.
MacSweeper is promoted as a useful application designed to detect various issues, including virus and malware-related, offering a solution for their removal. However, since this app often lands on Mac devices without the knowledge of the user, it is widely regarded as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
MacSweeper is also known to display fake virus alerts about adware, spyware and malware, when the “virus” is the program itself. In this article, we will present you with a solution to remove all malicious files associated with MacSweeper.
Threat Summary
| Name | MacSweeper |
| Type | PUP/Rogue Application |
| Short Description | Rogue application that pushes scare messages and virus alerts in the attempt to trick you to visit bogus websites and install additional deceptive apps. |
| Symptoms | Gets installed on your Mac without your knowledge. Reports non-existent issues related to the performance of your device. Demands a purchase for full version capacity. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installers, Suspicious Sites |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Combo Cleaner | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MacSweeper. |
MacSweeper – Detailed Description
MacSweeper is classified as an unwanted program that could be distributed via freeware installers and bundled packages. The app could have been downloaded from the official website of KiVVi software, as well as in a drive-by download. If the program was installed without your knowledge, it may have been bundled with another application.
Unwanted applications such as MacSweeper are usually spread via software bundling. This distribution technique aims to trick you into installing unwanted programs together with regular software. To avoid such unwanted downloads from happening, take the time to read carefully all details mentioned in the setups of apps.
Even though the program has been advertised as a useful and legitimate application that could detect various issues which may be slowing down your machine, it is classified as a rogue application. Once installed on your Mac, the program will start detecting tons of non-existent issues just in an attempt to mislead you to purchase its full version which will supposedly fix detected issues. Unwanted apps could also generate lots of annoying advertisements that promote other PUPs in their interface.
NOTE. Applications similar to MacSweeper are MacKeeper, Cleanup My Mac, and Qbit Mac Optimizer.
Remove MacSweeper
In order to remove MacSweeper, you should complete several removal steps, which are outlined in the guide below the article. You can choose between manual and automatic removal processes. In order to fully get rid of all present undesired programs and improve the security of your Mac, we recommend that you combine the steps.
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An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the beginning. 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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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall MacSweeper 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:
- 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 MacSweeper 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:
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 2: Remove MacSweeper – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove MacSweeper files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MacSweeper, 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.
