ValidMemory Mac Adware
What type of app is the ValidMemory? It is a potentially unwanted program that is known to affect Mac operating systems without any notifications. The app is developed by fraudsters who aim to earn money from launching shady advertising campaigns. Hence, the app ValidMemory will corrupt specific system settings in order to obtain access to installed browsers and flood them with lots of annoying ads.
This program that acts like adware should be removed from the infected Mac machine as it lowers its security. Apart from the generation of intrusive ads, ValidMemory may also steal some data from the infected Mac. See how to remove ValidMemory from your Mac and how to secure your macOS against similar nasty apps.
Threat Summary
| Name | ValidMemory Adware |
| Type | PUP, Adware, Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks web browsers installed on Mac. The app applies modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Main browser preferences may be altered. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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ValidMemory Adware on Mac
Adware programs like ValidMemory are not created for malicious purposes but they still belong to the Mac viruses types of apps. It is not a coincidence that most of the reputable anti-malware tools for Mac detect this program as potentially undesired and recommend its immediate removal.
As long as this adware is running on a macOS, it keeps the security level lower than demanded. The simple explanation is that the program is misused for the distribution of shady advertisements and other rogue applications.
What enables it to perform these operations is the changes it applies to both system and browser settings. Affected by the ValidMemory may be the settings of the browser’s homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. In such a case, the program could be said to be a browser hijacker as well as adware.
The bogus search engines that may be pushed by this undesired program may include hoax ones like Searchlee.com and CryptoTab or legitimate-like such as Yahoo and Bing. Either way, you should better refrain from using the services of the presented search engine because it may try to trick you to visit dangerous sponsored content. What’s more, the new bogus search engine may prevent you from viewing reliable sources that match best your search queries.
Regarding the unnoticed installation of ValidMemory Mac adware, it tends to be a result of a visit to a bogus site, a launch of a fake software update (Fake Flash Update for example) or a regular install of a program you downloaded from a dubious website.
ValidMemory may not be a virus but its presence on your Mac may lead to serious issues that affect both system and personal data security. To avoid such unpleasant consequences, navigate to the removal instructions below and get rid of this undesired and potentially harmful program.
How to Remove ValidMemory Mac Adware and Secure macOS
In order to remove ValidMemory along with all entries it created on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with a manual and an 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 ValidMemory virus 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. We would strongly suggest that you use professional anti-malware software. Such a program aims to scan for malicious files and delete them from your machine. It will keep your macOS protected against intrusive apps in the future as well.
Notice: Before manually removing files or folders on your Mac, make sure to identify the accurate components of ValidMemory, because deleting other apps’ files or system settings files by mistake may trigger malfunction of installed apps or even your 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 ValidMemory Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ValidMemory Adware-FAQ
What is ValidMemory Adware on your Mac?
The ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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 ValidMemory 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.