This article informs about MediaDownloader and provides help for the complete removal of this adware.
MediaDownloader is a program that infiltrates Mac devices in order to realize vicious advertising purposes. This is why it is considered to be a potentially unwanted program classified as adware. Once started on a device it implements various changes of system and browser settings that allow it to generate various online ads in browsers and on screen. In addition, it is believed to use tracking technologies to harvest data from affected systems and provide it to its unknown owners. If you want to secure your Mac you should remove MediaDownloader adware from it as soon as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | MediaDownloader |
| Type | Adware |
| Short Description | An undesired program that delivers lots of annoying advertisements in systems it affects. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns could occur due to increased number of ads generated by this adware. Sensitive detials could be obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Methods | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MediaDownloader. |
MediaDownloader – Spread Ways
Since MediaDownloader is considered to be a potentially unwanted program of adware type, it is likely to infiltrate Mac devices with the help of vicious mechanisms.
Commonly PUPs of this kind are being distributed along with software bundles and free third-party apps. The presence of its configuration code is often concealed in the Advanced/Custom configuration step of the installers of affected apps. So it is highly recommendable to review the details in these steps during the installation process of new apps. Once you access them and get informed about the extras you could prevent your Mac system from being affected by nasty programs like MediaDownloader adware.
Fake software installers that mimic legitimate programs like Adobe Flash Player are among the possible spread techniques associated with MediaDownloader adware. So in order to prevent your device from being affected by nasty programs like this adware be advised to double check manually if the legitimate versions of the apps installed on your Mac really need to be updated. One way to do this is by starting them on the device and look for Updates section/button. Another way is to open their official websites and check which is the latest version released by the vendors.
It could be also distributed via browser extensions that pretend to have the functionality to convert online videos to file mp4 format. Such extensions may unnoticeably hijack your preferred web browser after visiting a corrupted web page that contains installing script.
MediaDownloader – More Information
Soon after the configuration files of MediaDownloader adware are started on your Mac, you could notice the presence of this undesired program. The traits of its activities are lots of annoying ads that could appear during browsing sessions. The ads associated with this undesired program are likely to present some of the following phrases:
- Advert from MacWizz
- Powered by MacWizz
- Ad by MacWizz
- Ads by MacWizz
- Advertisement by MacWizz
- Brought to you by MacWizz
By utilizing this practice this undesired app of adware type aims to generate revenue for its owners. This is possible with the help of a scheme called pay-per-click. Even though that it is a legitimate advertising scheme many adware owners utilize it as well. It helps them to gain profit for each realized click on an ad generated by their program.
Another issue that may occur after MediaDownloader adware gains access to your Mac is collection of sensitive data. And this could be explained by the fact that its owners need certain details about you and your browsing behavior for the optimization of their advertising campaigns. So as long as this undesired program is running on the system it may be able to obtain details like:
- 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)
All issues that occur after the installation of MediaDownloader on your Mac could be prevented by its complete removal.
Remove MediaDownloader Adware from Mac
In order to remove MediaDownloader adware and all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you need to perform properly ordered removal steps. The removal guide below presents steps for both manual and automatic removal process. Combined they will not only help you to get rid of this particular undesired program but also provide for the overall security of your Mac. Have in mind that files associated with this hijacker may have different names than MediaDownloader.
In case that you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, 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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About the MediaDownloader Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MediaDownloader 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 MediaDownloader?
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 MediaDownloader threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. macOS More Susceptible to Adware and PUPs than Windows
2. XLoader Malware-as-a-Service Now Available for macOS for Only $49
3. XCSSET Mac Malware Targets Apple’s M1-Based Macs and macOS 11
4. macOS Backdoor Malware Linked to OceanLotus Hackers
5. The State of Apple’s Privacy So Far in 2021
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 MediaDownloader 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 MediaDownloader:
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 MediaDownloader. 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 MediaDownloader. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over 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 MediaDownloader 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 MediaDownloader. 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 2: Remove MediaDownloader – 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 MediaDownloader files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MediaDownloader, 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
Step 4: 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.
MediaDownloader FAQ
What is MediaDownloader on your Mac?
The MediaDownloader 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of MediaDownloader on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like MediaDownloader?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from MediaDownloader?
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.
