What is ProductiveRotator Mac?
How to eliminate ads coming from ProductiveRotator? Exactly to remove all files that are ProductiveRotator-related your Mac?
ProductiveRotator is the name of a Mac virus used to infect computers worldwide. It is distributed mainly in fake software installers and can be distributed on online forums, chat rooms, and file-sharing networks. Once installed on a given Mac it will install itself deep into the computer and allow the hackers to steal files, take over control of the machines, and install other viruses.
Threat Summary
| Name | ProductiveRotator Mac virus |
| Type | Mac Trojan and Virus |
| Brief Description | ProductiveRotator is an advanced Mac virus which includes a very complex infection sequence. It can change important settings, spy on the users and deploy other malware |
| Symptoms | You might begin to see all types of redirects, pop-ups and other kinds of ads which will lead to undesirable or virus internet sites. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled packages. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See if the System happens to be Affected by ProductiveRotator Mac virus
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ProductiveRotator Mac virus. |
ProductiveRotator Mac Virus – What Does It Do?
ProductiveRotator is a recently reported Mac virus to us. It may be presented to the victims in different forms, depending on the configured attack campaign. At this time there is no information available about the identity of the hacking group as well.
Several of the popular forms under which this Mac virus is presented to the users is a system utility program that can be advertised using different means. This software promises performance enhancement or the adding of new features to the operating system. It may also come as an extension for another program, commonly web browsers and productivity tools.
The ProductiveRotator Mac virus and all related files may be spread using popular infection strategies. This includes the creation of file carriers, when they are executed the virus will automatically be deployed. They can be macro-infected documents that are placed in popular office formats: presentations, text documents, spreadsheets and databases. When opened they will request of the victims to enable the built-in scripts, this will automatically deploy the malware. The alternative variant is the inclusion of malware instructions in application installers of programs. The hackers typically target software that is often downloaded and installed from the Internet.
Often phishing strategies are used to manipulate the victims into downloading files from hacker-controlled servers, sites and by following such links. The virus-related files can be hosted on various sites, advertised through networks and uploaded to various sites, including social media. The criminals may use email messages that are designed as letters, notifications and other commonly received content. In them the hackers can embed the necessary files or links to them. Advanced Mac viruses can be hosted on similar sounding domain names to well-known services and companies. Virus-infected files can also be distributed over file-sharing networks, commonly used to spread both legitimate and pirate files.
As soon as the ProductiveRotator Mac virus is installed on a computer it will start its built-in execution sequence. It can be different depending on the attack campaign and the local conditions. Most threats of this category will be configured to include some kind of information gathering. Components that run such commands will search the victim hard drive for sensitive users data: this includes not only individual files, but also application data. All collected information can be used for crimes such as identity theft and financial abuse.
If any system changes are prescribed by the hackers they can range from any of the following common actions:
- System Changes — Virus infections will typically change important configuration files and settings. This can lead to a lot of different consequences including performance issues, the inability to start certain programs and services, data loss and unexpected errors.
- Data Manipulation — The virus can identify important files and delete or move them, so that they become inacessible. This is usually connected with any ransomware viruses that might be installed alongside ProductiveRotator. These malware will encrypt users data, make it inacessible and then blackmail the victims to pay hackers a decryption fee. Removal of backups can make it very difficult to recover affected computers.
- Peristent Installation — ProductiveRotator Mac Virus can be deployed to the target computers by installing itself as a system component. It will start automatically when the computer is powered on. Other commands issued by the main engine may block access to the recovery boot options, thereby making it very hard to follow manual user recovery guides.
ProductiveRotator Mac virus and other similar malware are usually used to push other threats as a carrier mechanism. Common examples are Trojan horse infections, they will install a local agent on the victim computers. It will connect to a server controlled by the criminals. This allows the hackers to take over control of the Mac devices and hijack any users data.
Remove ProductiveRotator from Your Mac
We recommend proceeding with the removal steps underneath this article to help you eliminate the ProductiveRotator PUP completely from your Mac. They were created because they aim to help you remove ProductiveRotator PUP from your own Mac step by step. Then we strongly suggest that you download and run a scan of your Mac with higher-level malware elimination software if you want to eradicate this unwanted app automatically. Such a program can effectively detect and remove all programs from your computer which may be malware or software that is unwanted.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ProductiveRotator Mac 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.
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 ProductiveRotator Mac 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to ProductiveRotator Mac virus:
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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus. 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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus. 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 ProductiveRotator Mac 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:
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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus. 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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ProductiveRotator Mac virus-FAQ
What is ProductiveRotator Mac virus on your Mac?
The ProductiveRotator Mac virus 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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus?
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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus?
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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ProductiveRotator Mac virus 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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus?
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 ProductiveRotator Mac virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.