The PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H is a dangerous Mac malware that is placed in fake optimization software. Such programs are easily created by different hacking groups in an attempt to inflict virus infections.
Victims can get infected with it by downloading such files from untrusted websites, forums, chatrooms, and social media. Usually, most of the malware of this category may present adware, install other threats, and cause unwanted system changes. The scope of the damage will depend on the current configuration.
PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H Summary
| Name | PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H |
| Type | Unwanted Software for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your machine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H Mac Virus – What Does It Do
The PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H Mac Virus is a typical representative of the malware for Apple’s operating system that comes in the form of a faux software helper. This is one of the most common types of computer viruses, they aim to manipulate the victims into downloading and running these types of programs. As they are created by using social manipulation methods, various types of content can be utilized to make the users infect themselves. A primary method in this regard is the practice of creating hacker-controlled pages that are designed to appear as safe and trustworthy download portals, landing pages, and etc. They can be hosted on domains that sound similar to well-known sites and companies, have built-in self-signed security certificates, and use popular graphics. Hackers can link to these sites via online communities, forums, chat rooms, and other commonly-accessed Internet sources. They do this often by using fake or stolen identities.
Infections with the PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H Mac Virus can also happen by preparing phishing email messages — they can come under different formats: notifications, update requests, interactive fields, letters and etc. Links to the virus files can be inserted in the content, as part of the fields, or directly attached in the email messages. Another notable infection strategy is the use of what are called setup bundles — application installers of popular programs that will deliver the PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H Mac Virus as part of their execution. They are made by taking the original files from their official sources and adding in the necessary virus installation code.
Once installed the PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H Mac Virus will likely present itself as a useful system utility program. This behavior can change depending on the current execution sequence as orchestrated by the criminal groups. It will look like a cleaning and/or optimization program that will start scanning the computer for issues. The application will also show “nag screens” to purchase a full version to fix the shown issues. The shown problems may actually do not exist at all, they are merely there to manipulate the users into buying.
Interacting with such virus-infected programs can have many consequences on the machines:
- Data Theft — The engine can collect personal users information, system data, certain application metrics and other useful information from the host system. This is done for various criminal purposes, including identity abuse, financial theft, and blackmail.
- Settings Changes — The virus can change important parameters of the host operating system. Depending on this the victims can experience data loss, performance issues, and the inability to start certain services.
- Virus Delivery — Other malware can be presented to the macOS computers, including Trojan horse clients. They allow the criminals to take over control of the systems, spy on the victims, and hijack any files available on them.
- Data Removal — It is common for such threats to remove sensitive and important files, including backups and shadow volume copies.
In some cases these kind of Mac virus infections can also present intrusive advertising as part of the application frame. This is used as an additional revenue stream, as for each display and interaction the criminals will receive a commission payment. There is also the possibility that links to other malware can be included in this program.
NOTE: This guide is for the malware that uses the iDoctor name. This may also refer to a legitimate and completely safe program.
Remove PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H Virus from Your Mac
To get rid of PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H, we strongly suggest that you comply with the removal guide listed below. It has been made to aid you remove PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H in depth from your Mac. If you want a rapid and reliable solution, we strongly suggest that you download and install plus run a scan of your computer by utilizing an innovative malware removal software. Such anti-malware programs are designed to discover and remove all elements of programs, like PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H and help see to it that these infections are fully gone and also your Mac is safe against them in the future.
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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H, 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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H 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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H:
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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H. 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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H. 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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H 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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H. 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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H-FAQ
What is PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H on your Mac?
The PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H 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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H?
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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H?
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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H 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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H?
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 PUP.MacOS.iDoctor.H threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.