UpgradedPlatform Mac Adware
A program called UpgradedPlatform has been detected to mysteriously appear in the Applications folder on Mac devices. According to reports by anti-malware tools, this app is an adware that invades macOS to generate revenue for its operators.
Potentially unwanted programs like UpgradedPlatform are developed to adjust settings that control the system and the installed web browsers. All changes support the automatic delivery of intrusive ads.
So, if you see the UpgradedPlatform adware on your Mac, watch out for suspicious ads. Some of them may present you with misleading information in order to make you more prone to visit bogus sites that host rogue apps and online scams.
To remove UpgradedPlatform adware from both the affected system and browser, go and check the steps at the end of the article.
UpgradedPlatform Summary
| Name | UpgradedPlatform |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | Questionable application that hijacks web browsers compatible with macOS. Browser modifications occur without any notifications. Annoying ads may flood browsing sessions. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display a 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, Fake Software Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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UpgradedPlatform PUP on Mac
UpgradedPlatform is a potentially unwanted application for Mac. It obtains access to Apple Mac devices without showing any notifications. Typically, such apps are developed to generate revenue for fraudsters. This goal is realized via sponosred content displyed by the adware. Other adware apps that have been reported to act in a similar way are DigitalSearchApp, DominantFormula and OriginalSearchManager.
It’s not safe to see ads displayed by UpgradedPlatform on your browser as they are not trustworthy. Since the adware may be part of shady advertising networks, it may display ads that open poorly secured or hacked websites. A visit to shady websites may endanger the overall macOS security. Your sensitive data may be obtained and online fraudsters may try to trick you to download another rogue app.
An additional impact that UpgradedPlatform adware may cause is the activation of tracking technologies that harvest certain details. Harvested may be various specifics about your device and your online behavior. The owners of this bogus software can try to make you more prone to visit bogus adverts by setting targeted advertising campaigns that match your interests. Unfortunately, tracking technologies dropped by the adware may be designed to harvest usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, etc. sometimes.
With regard to the propagation of UpgradedPlatform adware, different techniques may be used to install this unwanted app on Mac systems. The most popular methods known is third-party apps. Usually, these apps are presented as useful and free but what they try to hide is the presence of PUP’s installation files in their installers. On top of that, extra apps tend to be set to install by default. A way to avoid unwanted programs from affecting your Mac is to always look for the Custom or Advanced configuration step. Most of the time, it reveals important details about the installer and lets people opt out of the launch of unwanted programs.
Keep your Mac secured by removing UpgradedPlatform adware from it. Find help in the illustrated guide below.
How to Remove UpgradedPlatform Mac Adware
UpgradedPlatform adware should be removed along with all entries it has created on the macOS. For this purpose, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal steps. For the maximum efficiency and strengthened macOS security, we recommend that you complete all the steps.
Notice: Before manually removing files or folders on your Mac, make sure to identify the accurate components of UpgradedPlatform adware. Deleting other apps’ files or system settings files by mistake may trigger the malfunction of some of the installed apps as well as the whole system.
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 UpgradedPlatform files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as UpgradedPlatform, 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 UpgradedPlatform 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 UpgradedPlatform:
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 UpgradedPlatform. 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 UpgradedPlatform. 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 UpgradedPlatform 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 UpgradedPlatform. 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 UpgradedPlatform – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
UpgradedPlatform-FAQ
What is UpgradedPlatform on your Mac?
The UpgradedPlatform 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 UpgradedPlatform?
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 UpgradedPlatform?
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 UpgradedPlatform Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this UpgradedPlatform 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 UpgradedPlatform?
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 UpgradedPlatform threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.