We have created this SystemNotes removal guide to help affected Mac users get rid of this potentially unwanted program.
SystemNotes
SystemNotes is a suspicious program that pretends to be a legitimate app that enhances online searching on popular browsers installed on Mac operating systems. Even though it may seem to be a normal program, it has been reported to act like a typical browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are programs that secretly enter computer systems and alter browsers settings without your permission or knowledge. These apps tend to spy on affected users’ online behavior in order to send data to their developers. The developers, in turn, disclose data records to third-parties or sell them on dark web markets.
Yet another classification of SystemNotes is a potentially unwanted program. PUPs are called so due to the shady techniques used for their spread. These programs infect operating systems by tricking users to install them unnoticeably. Here comes the explanation of why many users call PUPs like SystemNotes viruses.
The installation of a browser hijacker on a computer system (Mac, Windows) leads to noticeable changes in installed browsers. You may notice that the homepage, new tab page and search engine in your preferred web browser are set to redirect to Yahoo or Bing. Beware that these may be the final pages loaded. SystemNotes may be configured to perform a long sequence of browser redirects which happen fast and remain unnoticed. This could be very dangerous for your online security because the redirects may load corrupted web pages that activate malicious scripts or aggressive tracking technologies.
For the sake of your online security and the security of your Mac, it’s best to consider the complete removal of SystemNotes.
Threat Summary
| Name | SystemNotes |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. Makes you a victim of unsolicited data collection and aggressive advertising. May endanger your MacOS security. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search enigne in preferred web browser are set to display a hoax search engine or redirect you to bogus websites. Lots of suspicious ads load on websites you visit. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SystemNotes. |
SystemNotes – How Did It Appear? Is It Safe?
The potentially unwanted program SystemNotes replaces the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page with a hoax search engine or set them all to redirect to well-known search engines like Bing and Yahoo. This odd behavior enables the hijacker to conceal its presence and the issues it cases.
When you open SystemNotes it may look like a normal app that features some useful functionalities. However, lots of the operations it does remain hidden. One of the reasons why this app alters browser settings is its goal to start spying on your browsing behavior. So once installed the hijacker may obtain various details that define both your online interests and certain technical parameters. All gathered data is transferred to its remote servers.
Based on the information from data records, the developers of SystemNotes may set their program to present the following types of advertisements on your computer:
- Pop-ups
- Browser Redirects
- Banners.
- Ad-supported search results.
Be careful with all ads that appear in your affected browser. Visiting some of the presented sponsored websites hides the risk of an unnoticed infection with additional adware or even malware.
For the spread of SystemNotes potentially unwanted program are mainly used software bundles. So be careful when you download apps from the web. Choose wisely the sources and practice caution during the install process. Make sure to read all the details listed in apps’ installers before finishing the installation process. This tip can help you protect your Mac from unwanted programs, adware and browser hijackers like SystemNotes.
How to Remove SystemNotes from Mac
In order to remove SystemNotes along with all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. The browser hijacker removal guide below you will show you all steps that are needed for the complete removal of the annoying SystemNotes hijacker. Follow them sequentially as they should be fulfilled in the presented order. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps then you could navigate to the download process of an advanced anti-malware tool that will enable you to remove all harmful files with a few clicks.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at our email.
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 SystemNotes files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SystemNotes, 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 SystemNotes 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 SystemNotes:
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 SystemNotes. 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 SystemNotes. 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 SystemNotes 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 SystemNotes. 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 SystemNotes – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SystemNotes-FAQ
What is SystemNotes on your Mac?
The SystemNotes 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 SystemNotes?
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 SystemNotes?
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 SystemNotes Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SystemNotes 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 SystemNotes?
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 SystemNotes threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.