This is an article that provides details on the questionable program called PDF Tycoon and presents a complete set of removal steps.
PDF Tycoon is a questionable app that is presented as a useful utility for converting various types of documents to PDF format. One of the reasons why this application is classified as a potentially undesired program is the way it is distributed. Another reason is its suspicious behavior. Once it gains access to your Mac, it becomes able to deliver lots of intrusive online advertisements that significantly affect the regular usage of your machine.
Threat Summary
| Name | PDF Tycoon |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program, Adware |
| Short Description | Rogue application that could infiltrate your Mac without your permission. |
| Symptoms | You see this program to load on each system start. Many annoying advertisements flood your browser. Main browser settings are altered and configured to push questionable search engine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled packages; Freeware installers; Corrupted 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 PDF Tycoon. |
PDF Tycoon – Spread Mechanisms
Considered to be a potentially unwanted program mostly of adware kind PDF Tycoon is likely to be spread via shady techniques that attempt to trick you into installing it without noticing its presence. Such techniques are software bundling, corrupted web pages, fake notifications for program updates, and other. They are all designed in a way that conceal the presence of PDF Tycoon so that they could easily obtain your permission for its installation.
Commonly the undesired program PDF Tycoon invades computer systems by being part of a software bundle. So its presence on your Mac may be a result of the installation of any desired program. How you might missed the installation of this extra app is by following the regular setup steps. Configuration code of undesired apps like this rogue PDF converter is usually hidden in the installers of free third-party apps. To make it trickier malicious intenders do not disclose properly the details on added extras and eventually lure many users into installing them.
An efficient tip that could help you prevent the installation of undesired apps on your device is the access to Advanced/Custom configuration step available in almost all app installers. Once you get familiar with all details listed there you could make an informed decision on how to act further. In case that you see some unnecessary extras, you could opt out their installation and continue with the installation of the primary app.
PDF Tycoon – More About This Program
PDF Tycoon is a questionable app presented as a useful utility for converting various types of document files to PDF format. However, a bunch of deceptive functionalities that come along with the main ones make it a potentially unwanted program. Once it is running on your Mac you could see the following window to appear on your screen:
The interface of this app may make you think of it as a legitimate one at first, but after a while it becomes clear that this program is designed to act like a typical PUP. Soon after its installation you could notice significant modifications that affect some main browser elements such as start page, new tab page and default search engine. In fact, the bogus program PDF Tycoon pushes a questionable search engine which is classified as a browser hijacker.
Another side effect that occurs after the installation of this rogue program is the unattended collection of your data. As a consequence of having this app on your Mac, all your online activities may be recorded and sent to its remote servers. Data collection could be realized with the help of different tracking technologies such as cookies, web beacons, pixels and other.
As of data records, they could be used for aggressive advertising campaigns target of which will be you and your device. Your browser may be flooded by lots of annoying ads, your browsing sessions may be interrupted by constant redirects to poorly secured and potentially dangerous web pages.
Remove PDF Tycoon Adware from Your Mac
In order to remove the nasty program PDF Tycoon and all files associated with its presence on your Mac you should complete the set of removal steps presented below. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approach but what we recommend for maximum security is their combination. The automatic approach guarantees good efficiency as after a scan with an advanced anti-virus tool you could see the exact location of all suspicious files and remove them.
In case that you have further questions or need additional help, 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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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 PDF Tycoon files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PDF Tycoon, 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 PDF Tycoon 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 PDF Tycoon:
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 PDF Tycoon. 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 PDF Tycoon. 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 PDF Tycoon 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 PDF Tycoon. 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 PDF Tycoon – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
PDF Tycoon-FAQ
What is PDF Tycoon on your Mac?
The PDF Tycoon 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 PDF Tycoon?
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 PDF Tycoon?
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 PDF Tycoon Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PDF Tycoon 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 PDF Tycoon?
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 PDF Tycoon threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.