OriginalModule.gqa
The presence of OriginalModule.gqa in the Applications list on your Mac may be quite frustrating. You are right that you need to be a little bit concerned about this app that has somehow appeared on the Mac. It has been classified as an adware program.
The program may affect popular browsers such as Safari and Chrome. Affected browsers may be forced to load hoax search engines, redirect sessions to bogus sites, and display lots of unwanted ads.
If you want to remove OriginalModule.gqa adware from your Mac, you should first detect all its files via an anti-malware program, and then delete them.
OriginalModule Adware Summary
| Name | OriginalModule.gqa |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Removal Time | Less than 15 Minutes (full-system scan) |
| Detection Tool |
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OriginalModule.gqa Potentially Unwanted Program on Mac
As a potentially unwanted application OriginalModule.gqa tends to land on Mac operating systems without informing users. For the purpose its developers are utilizing shady methods of distribution.
The most common one is called software bundling. It is about various supposedly useful apps that feature “extras” in their installers. Such installers rarely reveal what you are going to install on your device with a click on the Finish button. One way to prevent this nasty issue from happening again is to select the Custom or Advanced setup option and look thoroughly at what is written there.
The moment OriginalModule.gqa adware obtains access to your Mac, it becomes capable of modifying some of the settings behind your back. Changes intended to enable the app to generate intrusive ads on the affected device.
This issue helps the adware to generate revenue for its owners. There is a risk of visiting ads generated by OriginalModule.gqa because some of the ads may open corrupted websites. Such sites may host online scams, rogue applications, and malware.
You should better ensure that your system is secured by removing the OriginalModule.gqa adware from your Mac now.
Is It Dangerous?
Adware is a type of potentially unwanted program developed to monetize its presence on the devices it affects. It generates revenue for its owners by delivering sponsored content. To become able to generate various types of ads, OriginalModule.gqa is likely to change some important browser and system settings. This issue will lower the security of your Mac.
How to Remove It
In order to remove OriginalModule.gqa along with all entries created on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. However, keep in mind that the most secure removal method is the automatic removal – via an anti-malware program.
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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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 OriginalModule Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OriginalModule Adware-FAQ
What is OriginalModule Adware on your Mac?
The OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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 OriginalModule 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.