If you are wondering “How do I get rid of spchlpr off my MacBook?” then you have chosen the right article. It will help you understand the consequences of having this annoying message and give you a complete set of removal steps to remove files associated with spchlpr pop-up.
“Spchlpr will damage your computer” Pop-Up Message
When your Mac is showing the “spchlpr will damage your computer” pop-up message, it means that some sort of an undesired program has been started on the system. The annoying message usually comes with the Similar Photo Cleaner. In fact, spchlpr is not a computer virus as it is not designed to damage your system or files. However, it represents a potenttiall unwanted program that may have the goal to spy on your online behavior or serve for the delivery of malicious software on the machine.
Threat Summary
| Name | Spchlpr |
| Type | Virus for Mac OS |
| Short Description | May enter your Mac and begin to display an error message, claiming that a file is harmful and should be moved to Trash. |
| Symptoms | An error message claiming it blocked spchlpr on your Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Rogue applications, Corrupted websites, Malicious advertisements |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Combo Cleaner
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Spchlpr. |
Spchlpr Virus – How Did I Get It on Mac and What Does It Do?
The Spchlpr Mac virus is similar to Hlpradc and Navlibx. These messages are part of the so-called series of “Will damage your computer Error” messages that affect Mac devices. They suddenly start to appear on screen to state the following:
Spchlpr will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.
The file was downloaded on an unknown date.
Report malware to Apple to protect other users.
Such type of error messages can be really persistent as they usually keep popping up again and again even when the demanded action is taken. This odd behavior could be explained by the presence of undesired files and objects installed on your Mac. They may be dropped on the system by another potentially unwanted program like adware, browser hijacker, or browser extension. In the case of Spchlpr virus, we identified that it is associated with an infection with the adware program Similar Photo Cleaner developed by the company PCVARK. The company is known to have many applications that are considered PUPs and also puts various advertisements in their software to point to other software they have created.
How the distribution of potentially unwanted programs happens is via several common methods:
- Fake software update notifications
- Freeware applications
- Corrupted/shady websites
- Bundled packages
Since Spchlpr virus may be a really persistent and annoying threat it cannot be removed with a click on the Move to Trash button. When it continues to appear after the completion of this common delete action you need to complete a thorough removal process. First, you should remove associated files and objects from your MacOS then you should clean undesired Spchlpr entries from installed browsers.
Beware that as long as there is some kind of an undesired program that is running on your Mac, it can activate various tracking technologies to spy on your online behavior. Running software that hasn’t been authorized by a trustworthy developer may expose your computer and personal information to malware that can harm your Mac or compromise your privacy. So it is best to consider the immediate removal of Spchlpr virus and associated files from the affected Mac.
How to Remove Spchlpr Virus App from Your Mac
One way to remove Spchlpr virus from Mac is to open the finder window, search for the name of the malware (spchlpr) wait for the results and delete all the files you see. Then you should empty the Trash. Unfortunately, Spchlpr and associated files cannot always be uninstalled by simply closing the browser and dragging the undesired app to the Trash. If you want to remove the Spchlpr virus from your Mac OS in full we recommend that you use a specific anti-malware for Mac. The main goal of such a program is to scan your operating system and terminate the files with malicious behavior. It will also clean up any malicious code in your repositories. With a specific anti-malware program, youр Mac will be protected better in the future.
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 Spchlpr files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Spchlpr, 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 Spchlpr 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 Spchlpr:
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 Spchlpr. 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 Spchlpr. 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 Spchlpr 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 Spchlpr. 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 Spchlpr – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Spchlpr-FAQ
What is Spchlpr on your Mac?
The Spchlpr 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 Spchlpr?
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 Spchlpr?
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 Spchlpr Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Spchlpr 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 Spchlpr?
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 Spchlpr threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.