What is XCSSET?
What does XCSSET do? Is XCSSET legit or an infection? Just how to get rid of this Trojan.
The XCSSET Trojan is the sort of malware, whose main point is to enter on your computer system while being unseen and also execute dangerous threats. The destructive program may acquire approvals over your Mac and also utilize them to spy on you, swipe passwords and potentially even bring more malware on your Mac. If you have actually seen this Trojan by any means on your Mac, then we highly recommend that you read this short article.
XCSSET Trojan– More Information
XCSSET is the kind of infection, that is incredibly difficult to identify. It may pertain to your computer in different forms. The major method through which you might have gotten it could be using e-mail spam messages that contain malicious add-ons embedded in them..
It can spy on the users, steal their files and also launch dangerous ransomware infections. Alternatively, the main code can be programmed to launch cross-site scripting attacks for setting up phishing tactics.
XCSSET Mac Trojan Summary
| Name | XCSSET, Xtesc also known as Trojan.MacOS.Xtesc.A (detection by SpyHunter for Mac) |
| Type | Trojan |
| Short Description | Aims to steal the keystrokes you type from your Mac and steal banking information, while pretending to be a Jailbreak software. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac may have suspicious processes that monitor it and collect information from it. |
| Distribution Method | Via e-mail or malicious downloads. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss XCSSET Mac Trojan. |
XCSSET Virus Trojan – What Does It Do?
The XCSSET Virus is a macOS threat which is actively being distributed by computer hackers. The virus is spread by two zero-day vulnerabilities affecting the core system:
- Cookies Theft — This method will steal locally installed cookies by a security issue found in the data vault in the web browser.
- Safari Development Version Abuse — The criminals have found a way to overcome the security of the development version of the Safari web browser and install the XCSSET malware.
The hackers behind the XCSSET malware predominantly spread it via these flaws affecting the Xcode project.
When installed the malware will start common virus tactics that are integrated with many similar Mac Trojans. This includes the data retrieval of user and system information. This includes not only files which are owned by the users but also an application which might include users’ credentials. According to the analyzed samples, the malware has been found to hijack data obtained from Skype, WeChat, Evernote, and Telegram.
Using the exploit code the hackers can order the local client to take screenshots of the running computers. This can be used to spy on the victims in real-time, as well as steal users’ data. The XCSSET Mac malware can encrypt files with the built-in ransomware module. This is particularly useful when a lot of computers are impacted: the users will be blackmailed into paying a decryption fee to hackers.
This particular Mac virus can also be programmed to launch cross-site scripting by injecting JavaScript code into websites that are being accessed by the users. This can be used for launching online services redirect — by automatically changing the login screen addresses to fake hacker-controlled ones. When this attack strategy is activated whenever a user accesses a supported service this method will be started.
We advise all users to apply all the latest security updates to their systems in order to protect themselves from possible infections. Existing infections should be removed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
How to Efficiently Get Rid Of XCSSET from Your Mac
If you wish to eliminate this Trojan from your Mac, we suggest that you read the steps below. If you can not seem to find the virus files or the application, which this Trojan acts as an expert removal is your best choice. To get rid of this Trojan properly, you can download and also run a scan of your Mac by using an advanced anti-malware software. Such an advanced tool is developed to assist you to immediately detect a get rid of threats, like this Trojan from your Mac. This process will secure your Mac to ensure that you can transform all your passwords after that.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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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 XCSSET Mac Trojan files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as XCSSET Mac Trojan, 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 XCSSET Mac Trojan 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 XCSSET Mac Trojan:
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 XCSSET Mac Trojan. 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 XCSSET Mac Trojan. 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 XCSSET Mac Trojan 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 XCSSET Mac Trojan. 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 XCSSET Mac Trojan – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
XCSSET Mac Trojan-FAQ
What is XCSSET Mac Trojan on your Mac?
The XCSSET Mac Trojan 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 XCSSET Mac Trojan?
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 XCSSET Mac Trojan?
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 XCSSET Mac Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this XCSSET Mac Trojan 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 XCSSET Mac Trojan?
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 XCSSET Mac Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.