If you are wondering how Process Sign app appeared on your Mac, what issues it is causing, and how to remove it, then keep up with our guide.
Process Sign
Process Sign is yet another application that affects Mac devices. Contrary to common believes that Macs are not vulnerable to viruses, lots of infections with undesired apps like Process Sign are registered every day. Is Process Sign a virus though?
The good news is that Process Sign is a potentially unwanted program that alters main browser settings without corrupting personal data and essential system settings. However, the program affects Macs’ browsers without users’ knowledge and that’s why many of them call it a virus. Even though Process Sign is not a virus, it still has an impact on infected systems. Among the issues caused by this program are aggressive advertising and data harvest. Since Process Sign poses a certain danger to the security of your macOS, we recommend that you consider its immediate removal.
Threat Summary
| Name | Process Sign |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application that infects Macs and hijacks the settings of popular browsers like Safari and Chrome. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | 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, Corrupted Websites, Fake Software Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Process Sign. |
More Details About Process Sign Undesired App on Mac
Let’s start by saying that Process Sign is a potentially unwanted program that belongs to adware type of programs. Typically, adware programs trick people to install their files without noticing the process. For the purpose, their developers bet on shady spread techniques like software packages, questionable websites and corrupted software installers.
Process Sign potentially unwanted program may look like a normal program that has the function to improve browsing by providing some special features. However, Process Sign is primarily designed to harvest data and deliver ads. That’s why it alters certain browsing settings as soon as it loads on the system.
This undesired app may add suspicious browser extensions, change browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine, and create a new user profile to control all its troublesome activities. Soon after Process Sign applies changes, it is likely to start delivering lots of annoying ads in the affected browser. Ads by Process Sign may be:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser Redirect ads.
- Banners.
- Browser Redirect ads.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
The purpose of all annoying ads is to trick you into visiting sponsored content and following some kind of steps that may endanger the overall security of both your personal data and system. By visiting sponsored content you generate revenue for Process Sign’s developers. Since the program mainly aims to monetize its presence on the affected system, it can be delivering all types of ads regardless of the reliability of the related websites. A visit to a poorly secured or a hacked website may disrupt system security and grant cybercriminals remote access to your Mac. For the sake of your online security, better refrain from visiting questionable sponsored content.
To make you more prone to click on ads, Process Sign is likely to be harvesting data that reveals more about your online interests. So an issue that may be related to the presence of this virus app on your Mac is unsolicited data collection.
To sum up, this adware for Mac is not a malicious program. However, it lowers the security of your Mac and puts you in a situation where you are not protected from online fraudsters and cybercriminals. That’s why we recommend the immediate removal of Process Sign virus from your affected Mac and browser.
How to Remove Process Sign “Virus” from Mac and Affected Browser
In order to remove Process Sign “virus” along with all entries it creates on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Some of the files associated with the adware cannot be removed manually 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 to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
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 Process Sign files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Process Sign, 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 Process Sign 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 Process Sign:
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 Process Sign. 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 Process Sign. 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 Process Sign 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 Process Sign. 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 Process Sign – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Process Sign-FAQ
What is Process Sign on your Mac?
The Process Sign 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 Process Sign?
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 Process Sign?
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 Process Sign Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Process Sign 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 Process Sign?
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 Process Sign threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.