There have been multiple reports about new tabs opening in Mac users’ Safari browsers without any interaction on their side.
What is causing the new tabs to be opening like this is a Trojan known as OSX/NewTab, or just NewTab Trojan. Even though the first samples of this malware appeared in April and the majority of security solutions detect the NewTab Trojan, users are still in danger and should be protected against the threat.
Continue reading to learn how to deal with this malware-related issue and how to restore your Mac to normal.
Threat Summary
| Name | NewTab Trojan |
| Type | Trojan and Adware for Mac OS |
| Short Description | A Trojan that generates the opening of new tabs in Safari. |
| Symptoms | The unsupervised opening of new tabs in the affected browser. |
| Distribution Method | Spam email attachments, cracked software, unsafe browsing |
| Detection Tool |
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NewTab Trojan – More Information
Most Trojans are hiding in spam email attachments or cracked and pirated software and torrents. The NewTab Trojan could be uploaded as a fake e-mail attachment that may seem legitimate, presented in the form of an invoice or another seemingly important document. Third-party download sites are also at fault for the distribution of Trojans.
Such downloads can be:
- Patches.
- Cracks.
- Activators.
- Installers.
- Updates.
The opening of new tabs that redirect the users to particular pages may not be the only intrusive activity. The Trojan may also be utilized to perform any of the following actions on your Mac:
- Download malware and other unwanted software.
- Update itself and create copies of itself to remain persisten on the infected Mac.
- Log the keystrokes you type.
- Obtain your financial information.
- Obtain data on the sites you visit.
- Obtain your saved passwords.
- Take screenshots.
- Tap into your camera or microphone.
- Obtain information concerning your Mac and IP address.
- Steal files.
In addition, the Trojan could be generating ads to interrupt your browsing. The Trojan could be at fault for the display of pop-ups and banners, browser redirects and push notifications, and search results that appear to be sponsored.
Note that the ads that may be displayed by the NewTab Trojan could eventually land you on potentially malicious pages, deployed for tech-support scams, malware downloads, etc.
A malware which is similar to the NewTab Trojan is the OSX/Linker malware. The malware was targeting a specific macOS Gatekeeper security flaw. The bug could allow a malicious binary downloaded from the internet to bypass Gatekeeper’s scanning process. Here’s how to remove OSX/Linker malware.
Remove NewTab Trojan – Instructions
In order to get rid of the NewTab Trojan, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions below. They are made to help you get rid of this malware step by step. For a full and effective removal of the malware, you can download and install an advanced malware removal tool.
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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 NewTab Trojan files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as NewTab Trojan, 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 NewTab Trojan 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 NewTab Trojan:
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 NewTab Trojan. 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 NewTab Trojan. 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 NewTab Trojan 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 NewTab Trojan. 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 NewTab Trojan – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
NewTab Trojan-FAQ
What is NewTab Trojan on your Mac?
The NewTab Trojan 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 NewTab Trojan?
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 NewTab Trojan?
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 NewTab Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NewTab Trojan 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 NewTab Trojan?
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 NewTab Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.