UpgradeCommand Mac Adware
UpgradeCommand is a virus for many users. The good news is that this app is classified as a potentially unwanted which means that it is not malicious. Still, the program belongs to a category of apps which cause more harm than good to systems they affect. UpgradeCommand is being spread via shady techniques like software packages, malicious advertising, and hacked websites. That’s why the moment of its installation tends to happen unnoticeably. The program is compatible with almost all macOS versions and its presence on the system may lead to some serious security and privacy-related issues.
Security experts advise affected users to remove UpgradeCommand from their affected Macs as soon as they detect its impact.
UpgradeCommand Summary
| Name | UpgradeCommand |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Safari and Chrome browsers for Mac. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| 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 every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss UpgradeCommand. |
UpgradeCommand on Mac – Is It a Virus or What?
UpgradeCommand is a type of program that won’t corrupt your data or ask you to pay a ransom like ransomware but it will surely make your system more vulnerable to malware attacks. Your online security is also lowered by the behavior of this app.
This program is classified as a potentially unwanted program besides regardless of it being popular as a Mac virus among users it affects. What is typical of such type of apps is their ability to land on Mac operating systems without users’ knowledge. This issue is possible to happen via shady propagation techniques like software bundles, fake software updates, corrupted websites, etc.
Since the number of Mac threats keeps growing every day, you as a Mac user should follow basic security rules in order to protect your system from different infections. In the case of preventing PUPs from running on your macOS unnoticeably, you should avoid downloading apps from bogus websites and clicking random ads. Furthermore, when your system displays a security warning for an app you are going to install, you should better cancel the installation process and scan the setup with a reliable anti-malware tool.
When UpgradeCommand obtains access to a macOS, it may reach the settings of some of the installed web browsers and alter main browsing preferences. As a result, your Safari, Chrome, Firefox and other browsers may start presenting you with a hoax search engine that is set by the program to be their homepage. Usually, hoax search engines pushed by PUPs redirect all searches to Yahoo Search, Bing, or another suspicious search engine like Search Marquis. Modifications of some other settings may force the browser to redirect every new tab to the same hoax search engine or another bogus site.
Typically, apps like UpgradeCommand has the primary goal to display sponsored content on affected machines. This issue enables them to generate revenue for their owners. The monetization happens via the pay-per-click advertising model which literally operates as its name states. The advertisements that may be displayed by UpgradeCommand may be of the following types:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
These ads may endanger the overall system security by linking to corrupted/hacked websites.
To sum up, UpgradeCommand 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 Mac, it disrupts your online security. Its presence on the system may also 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 Mac security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of UpgradeCommand “virus” from the affected browser and system.
How to Remove UpgradeCommand PUP from Affected Safari and macOS
In order to remove UpgradeCommand along with all entries it created on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with a manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual UpgradeCommand 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 UpgradeCommand files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as UpgradeCommand, 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 UpgradeCommand 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 UpgradeCommand:
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 UpgradeCommand. 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 UpgradeCommand. 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 UpgradeCommand 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 UpgradeCommand. 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 UpgradeCommand – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
UpgradeCommand-FAQ
What is UpgradeCommand on your Mac?
The UpgradeCommand 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 UpgradeCommand?
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 UpgradeCommand?
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 UpgradeCommand Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this UpgradeCommand 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 UpgradeCommand?
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 UpgradeCommand threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.