What Is WideCluster on Mac?
WideCluster is an app created to affect certain macOS settings and then access browsers installed on the Mac. It is another adware program that many of the affected users consider as a Mac virus.
The access of WideCluster adware to your macOS gives it the chance to run processes that change how your browsers and system work. Your browsing experience may be affected.
The phoney software won’t inform you about its installation. Being a PUP, this app will try to lure you into installing it without showing its real essence. Its presence on the Mac may remain hidden for a while.
WideCluster adware should be removed from the affected Mac so that it can’t keep lowering system security and endangering online privacy.
WideCluster Summary
| Name | WideCluster |
| Type | Adware, PUP, Redirect for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer in order to cause browser redirects and display adverts. |
| Symptoms | The appearance of various types of online advertisements results in lowered macOS security and slowed Mac performance. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Dangerous web pages which advertise it; Fake software updates. |
| Detection Tool |
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WideCluster – How Did I Get Infected?
According to the detection of various reputable anti-malware tools for macOS WideCluster is an adware application that poses a certain danger to the security of the operating system.
People rarely install such apps consciously. So, it is very likely that you missed the moment when this app got installed on the machine. Fraudsters tend to use various distribution methods to trick users to install PUPs on their Mac devices.
The shady methods usually include:
- Fake software updates.
- Torrent files.
- Software packages.
- Bogus ads.
The image below shows an app installer configured to run additional potentially undesired app:
Fake Adobe Flash Player Updates are another method that may be part of the distribution campaigns of WideCluster adware for Mac. You can see how a fake website claiming that you need to install a dangerous update could be designed:
WideCluster – What Does It Do?
WideCluster is adware or an ad-supported application that modifies web browser settings with the goal to start delivering annoying ads. During browsing sessions, you may notice that the number of ads has increased.
Why PUPs practice this is to complete fraudsters’ purposes. Hence, every click on an ad delivered by this bogus app will generate revenue for them.
Here are a few more apps that should be kept away from the macOS:
Yet another issue related to this adware we should inform you about is the unnoticed collection of certain data. By activating specific tracking technologies the program may provide to its owners data that defines your online browsing. After receiving data, adware owners could misuse it for bogus purposes.
Example of cookies that have been added to a browser in orde to collect data:
One of the most important steps for your privacy and security is to find and delete all harmful trackers.
Is WideCluster a Virus?
Browsers affected by WideCluster program may be forced to load lots of suspicious ads:
- Pop-ups,
- Pop-unders,
- Banners,
- In-text links,
- Images,
- Video,
- Fake notifications, etc.
The affected browser could become sluggish or completely unresponsive. The bad news is that some ads delivered by WideCluster adware may link to poorly secured or corrupted websites. This issue, in turn, may trick you to visit sites that endanger your online privacy and security.
If you focus on the immediate removal of WideCluster adware from your Mac, you can prevent some serious security issues.
How to Remove WideCluster from Mac
In order to remove WideCluster adware along with all associated files installed on the system, you should follow several removal steps. The guide below reveals all removal steps in their precise order.
You could follow either manual or automatic removal steps. In order to fully get rid of all present undesired programs and improve macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. We will be glad to get in touch with you
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 WideCluster files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WideCluster, 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 WideCluster 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 WideCluster:
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 WideCluster. 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 WideCluster. 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 WideCluster 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 WideCluster. 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 WideCluster – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
WideCluster-FAQ
What is WideCluster on your Mac?
The WideCluster 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 WideCluster?
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 WideCluster?
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 WideCluster Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WideCluster 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 WideCluster?
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 WideCluster threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.