Product Task is one of those programs that you probably won’t install on your Mac. However, since the program is categorized as a potentially unwanted program, you may notice that it has somehow been installed on your Mac. This nasty issue can be explained by the fact that undesired programs like Product Task are spread via shady techniques that trick users into executing them on their Mac systems. The moment such a program is started on the machine, it may alter primary settings of installed web browsers like Safari, Chrome, etc.
We recommend that you consider the removal of Product Task and all files related to this Mac virus. In our guide, you will find instructions on how to remove Product Task and how to restore the security of the affected system.
Threat Summary
| Name | Product Task virus |
| Type | PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Safari and Chrome browsers for Mac. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display hoax search engine. 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 |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Product Task virus. |
Product Task Unwanted App – Spreading Techniques and Impact
Many users think that Product Task is a virus that infects Mac operating systems. In fact, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted program due to the fact that it lands on Mac devices without users’ knowledge or permission.
This is often realized with the help of shady techniques like software packages, malicious advertising and hacked websites. The presence of Product Task on your Mac may lead to some serious system security and privacy-related issues.
The program is designed to create a bunch of related files in various system folders some of which cannot be accessed without both good technical knowledge and computer skills. This is one of the reasons why the so-called Product Task virus may be really persistent, hence, really hard to be removed in full from the affected system.
Once the undesired program establishes its files on the system, it executes them in a predefined order. This sequence of operations leads to some undesired changes that affect main Safari and/or Chrome settings. Then the Product Task PUP may start spying on details like:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
On the one hand, the program may misuse data records for the launch of targeted advertising campaigns. If this happens, your affected browser may be inundated with a large number of annoying ads that attempt to trick you to click them. On the other hand, the owners of ProductTask Mac “virus” program may release harvested details on dark web markets for financial income.
To avoid the consequences of all unpleasant issues that may come as a result of having the Product Task program on your Mac, navigate to the removal instructions below and get rid of this undesired and potentially harmful program.
How to Remove Product Task from Affected Browser and macOS
In order to remove Product Task along with all entries created 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. The manual Product Task 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
Gergana has a bachelor's degree in Marketing. She has been with the STF team for five years, researching malware, reporting on the latest computer infections, and following digital marketing trends.
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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall Product Task virus 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:
- 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 Product Task virus 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:
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 2: Remove Product Task virus – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove Product Task virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Product Task virus, 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.
