What Is SSOption Adware?
SSOption is a rogue application that is classified as adware. This potentially unwanted program has been spread via shady techniques like software packages, malicious advertising and hacked websites. That’s why it tends to land on Mac / Windows operating systems without users’ knowledge and permission. Once SSOption adware manages to execute its files on a target system it alters some main browser settings.
As a result, your favorite browser may be flooded with lots of annoying ads and configured to display a hoax search engine on the homepage and new tab pages. Security experts advise users whose systems are affected by SSOption to remove this adware program from their computer systems as soon as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | SSOption adware |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that tricks you into installing it on your computer. Then it performs certain modifications that affect installed browsers without your knowledge. Lots of ads and sponsored content flood the affected browsers. |
| 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 automatically every time you start the affected system. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did I Get SSOption?
SSOption also called SpecialSearchOption is a potentially unwanted application that has also been classified as adware. It is known to affect both Mac and Windows operating systems. Once the activation file of the program is started on the system, it becomes able to perform changes that affect some main browser preferences and system settings. The primary goal of this adware is to deliver intrusive advertisements that attempt to trick affected users into visiting web pages with sponsored content.
In fact, by doing this, the unwanted app attempts to generate revenue for its owners. It implements the so-called advertising model pay-per-click. Unlike legitimate platforms like Google Ads, the adware program SSOption won’t deliver ads related to secured and trustworthy websites/services only.
Hence, the ads displayed in affected browsers and directly in the program may open corrupted websites with misleading offers and rogue/malicious software. The advertisements that may be displayed by SSOption may be of the following types:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
Some of the ads may contain the following phrases:
- Powered by SSOption.
- Brought to you by SSOption.
- Advertisements by SSOption.
- Ads by SSOption.
- Ads powered by SSOption.
Is It Dangerous?
Beware with all those ads and websites because they may expose the operating system at risk of serious malware infections. Better refrain from visiting questionable sponsored content.
Yet another issue that is likely to occur after your Mac gets affected by the so-called SSOption virus is a privacy violation. Since the majority of PUPs for Mac and Windows aim to trick users into visiting sponsored web pages, they attempt to spy on affected users’ online behavior. By doing this, adware programs like SSOption help their operators to optimize their advertising campaigns. Once they know more details about users’ online behavior they can configure their software to deliver ads that match users’ interests. At worst, data records may be released on dark web markets for additional money revenue.
Is It a Virus?
To sum up, SSOption is not a virus as it is not developed to compromise your system or personal data. However, as long as this program is running on your PC, it disrupts your online security. Furthermore, its presence on the system may be misused by experienced hackers who know how to use its files to bypass active security measures and enter your system without your knowledge.
For the sake of your online security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of SSOption “virus” from the affected browser and system.
How to Protect Against the SSOption Adware
Although they can be very annoying, it is possible to avoid installing Unwanted Programs (PUPs) like SSOption by using good online practices. Here are some easy steps you can take to prevent PUPs from affecting you:
- Do not download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites, or other unreliable sources.
- When you are installing a program, there might be a hidden setting in the “Custom” or “Advanced” section. Make sure you opt-out of this setting as it likely contains PUPs.
- Only install necessary programs.
- If you notice excessive or unusual Internet advertising, this could be due to attached PUPs and adware. Keep an eye out for this.
- Read the terms and conditions of use before you install any programs.
- Regularly check your installed software and uninstall any applications you no longer need.
- Install an anti-malware program that can detect and remove PUPs.
How to Remove SSOption Adware
In order to remove SSOption adware along with all entries it 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 operating system security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual SSOption 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 SSOption adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SSOption adware, 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 SSOption adware 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 SSOption adware:
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 SSOption adware. 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 SSOption adware. 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 SSOption adware 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 SSOption adware. 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 SSOption adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SSOption adware-FAQ
What is SSOption adware on your Mac?
The SSOption adware 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 SSOption adware?
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 SSOption adware?
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 SSOption adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SSOption adware 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 SSOption adware?
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 SSOption adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.