MicroClick Adware on Mac
MicroClick is a potentially unwanted program of adware type. It pretends to be a useful program that enhances web searching experience but in reality, is able to disrupt the overall macOS security. MicroClick adware is developed to deliver annoying ads on systems it affects. It is also possible that the program will act as a browser hijacker. In such a case you will notice changes in main browser preferences.
Once MicroClick runs on a Mac, it starts processes that alter essential settings. The changes also enable it to spy on your online behavior and deliver sponsored content that matches your online interests. Its intrusive ads may load on almost every website you visit. You should be very careful because some of the ads may link to poorly secured or hacked sites.
For the sake of your online security, you should refrain from visiting bogus sponsored pages and ensure that MicroClick is gone for good from your Mac.
MicroClick Adware Summary
Name | MicroClick |
Type | PUP, Adware, Browser Hijacker |
Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Mac systems and popular browsers installed on them including Safari, Chrome and Mozilla. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
Symptoms | Browser preferences may be altered without your permission. You may face difficulties while trying to restore browser settings. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Shady Websites |
Detection Tool |
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More Details About MicroClick Adware on Mac
It is very likely that MicroClick app appeared unexpectedly on your Mac. Its unwanted appearance in the Applications section may make you think of it as a Mac virus. And you are not far from the truth.
The program is not a malicious one but it still poses a certain danger to the security of your macOS. In fact, it is flagged as a potentially undesired program by most of the reputable anti-malware tools for Mac.
The undesired program affects Mac machines with the help of counterfeit software updates, software packages, freeware, bogus websites, and other undesired programs like Mac Cleanup Pro.
The developers of MicroClick have set it to create and run specific files once it obtains access to a macOS. Changes applied by this app affect system and browser settings. They enable the app to deliver suspicious ads that can trick you to open hacked websites in the browser. Hacked websites are known to be sometimes misused for the spread of malicious software. So, beware and better remove MicroClick from your Mac as soon as possible.
By removing the app you will also prevent it from harvesting data from your device. Apps like MicroClick are famous for their capability to activate different tracking technologies that collect sensitive data and transfer it to remote servers.
Don’t wait anymore and clean the adware from your affected Mac now. The information that follows will help you to complete the removal.
How to Remove MicroClick Adware from Mac
To remove MicroClick adware along with all entries it creates on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with manual and automatic removal approaches. To entirely eliminate files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. You may not be able to manually remove some of the adware files, except you are an experienced computer user. So the manual adware removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate the guide’s automatic part.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
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 MicroClick Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MicroClick Adware, 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 MicroClick Adware 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 MicroClick Adware:
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 MicroClick Adware. 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 MicroClick Adware. 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 MicroClick Adware 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 MicroClick Adware. 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 MicroClick Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MicroClick Adware-FAQ
What is MicroClick Adware on your Mac?
The MicroClick Adware 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 MicroClick Adware?
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 MicroClick Adware?
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 MicroClick Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MicroClick Adware 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 MicroClick Adware?
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 MicroClick Adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.