What is MatchKnowledge? Is MatchKnowledge a virus or is it safe? How to remove MatchKnowledge and it’s pop-ups?
MatchKnowledge is one of those dubious programs for Mac which are categorized as potentially unsafe. Having it on your computer may actually be more harm than use. The main idea of MatchKnowledge is to help improve how you search online, however, it may come with a lot of adware components that aim to lead you to a lot of different third-party sites. Read this article to fully understand how you can remove MatchKnowledge from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | MatchKnowledge |
| Type | PUP/Hijacker for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to slither on your computer as a seemingly useful app, but in reality fills it with pesky ads and pop-ups. |
| Symptoms | Slow performance, a lot of ads and MatchKnowledge being installed as an extension or an app, that is difficult to delete. |
| Distribution Method | Likely via bundling or websites advertising it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MatchKnowledge. |
MatchKnowledge – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
MatchKnowledge is one of those browser hijacking apps for Mac. We have seen many like it over time, for example the weknow.ac virus, the Task Fresh adware, Safe Finder for Mac and many others.
The MatchKnowledge app can be added on your computer as a result of being included in the installer of another app you may have recently added. These types of apps often tend to spread as a result of being offered in the installers of other free apps as a “free extra” or an “optional offer”. Since these apps are hidden well in the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options. Another scenario is if you have added it as a result of seeing it on an ad site, where the app is advertised as a useful software, created to assist you with multiple different online activities.
MatchKnowledge is created to be useful for your computer, but this may only be at first glance. In reality, the software may change your default search engine to a custom one.
The web page to which you searches may be changed may bring a lot of different ads on your computer, including:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Redirects.
- Highlighted text ads
The advertisements may lead to various different types of third-party sites, whose origin may not exactly be legitimate:
- Scam sites.
- Phishing sites.
- Fake retailer sites.
- Malicious URLs that may infect your computer with adware.
These sites make apps, like MatchKnowledge potentially unsafe for your Mac and indirectly dangerous and it’s removal is highly recommended.
Remove MatchKnowledge from Your Mac
The MatchKnowledge app can be removed if you follow the removal instructions below. They have been made to help you uninstall this software step by step. For faster results and maximum effectiveness, we strongly recommend that you download a professional malware cleanup software. Such tool will not only save you a lot of manual removal time, but will also fully remove MatchKnowledge and secure your device.
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 MatchKnowledge files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MatchKnowledge, 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 MatchKnowledge 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 MatchKnowledge:
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 MatchKnowledge. 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 MatchKnowledge. 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 MatchKnowledge 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 MatchKnowledge. 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 MatchKnowledge – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MatchKnowledge-FAQ
What is MatchKnowledge on your Mac?
The MatchKnowledge 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 MatchKnowledge?
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 MatchKnowledge?
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 MatchKnowledge Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MatchKnowledge 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 MatchKnowledge?
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 MatchKnowledge threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.