What Is SharedKey?
SharedKey is a risky adware variant known by the name of AdLoad, cunningly designed to target macOS users and wreak havoc upon their digital experience. Once this insidious infiltration takes hold of your Mac, a malevolent cascade of advertisements, persistent browser redirects, and even the surreptitious installation of unwelcome applications is set into motion. This nefarious chain of events is facilitated by the concealed backdoor component nestled within SharedKey, alongside its cohorts from the notorious AdLoad threat lineage.
What Is AdLoad?
AdLoad emerges as a potent Trojan variant that cunningly penetrates computer systems, surreptitiously implanting adware and potential payloads of deleterious programs. Specifically tailored for the intricacies of Mac systems, AdLoad presents an expansive array of threats, perpetually evolving with the emergence of new variants that continue to torment users.
SharedKey Details
| Name | SharedKey, commonly known as Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | An audacious program that inundates the unfortunate victims’ browsers with an exorbitant multitude of vexatious advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser sluggishness, brought forth by an augmented torrent of ads generated by the insidious adware. Furthermore, it opens an ominous gateway for nefarious entities to pilfer personal information from the unsuspecting user. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did I Get SharedKey Installed on My Mac?
The insidious distribution mechanisms employed by SharedKey primarily revolve around duping unsuspecting users into inadvertently installing the program, often without a second thought given to the potential ramifications. This treacherous goal is frequently achieved through the entwining of the adware within bundled software installers or counterfeit software updates presented on compromised web pages. An all-too-common example of this deceptive stratagem is the infamous “Adobe Flash Player is out of date” browser scam, which serves as a widely utilized facade by various AdLoad iterations.
What Does SharedKey Do?
Lurking within the shadows of your Mac, SharedKey cunningly masquerades as an innocuous program, while surreptitiously launching a relentless onslaught of online ads aimed squarely at besieging your browsing experience. Once it successfully establishes its presence, it stealthily manipulates the settings of renowned browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari, ensnaring unsuspecting users in a web of incessant advertisement displays. Unfortunately, this insidious manipulation brings about a noticeable decline in Mac performance and speed, as well as leaving users susceptible to a sinister labyrinth of malevolent websites operated by cybercriminal syndicates.
Yet, the perils of SharedKey extend beyond the realm of intrusive advertising, reaching into the realm of data collection. Employing an assortment of tracking technologies, this unscrupulous program eagerly endeavors to siphon sensitive information from the compromised browsers, surreptitiously transmitting it back to its insidious servers. To thwart this malevolent adware’s intrusive displays and insatiable data hunger, swift action must be taken to expunge all vestiges of its presence from the affected browsers and the entire system.
Is SharedKey a Computer Virus?
While SharedKey may not conform to the archetypal definition of a computer virus, it is imperative to remove it from your Mac to ensure comprehensive online protection. Its classification as adware, coupled with its potential as an unwanted program and its clandestine backdoor capabilities, renders it a potent and potentially hazardous presence.
Is SharedKey Dangerous?
SharedKey, with its unwavering persistence, often sets its sights on the LaunchAgents folder nestled within the Library, establishing a stronghold that can unleash a plethora of consequential predicaments. Completely extricating SharedKey necessitates a meticulous and technically inclined approach, as its persistence agent proves to be a formidable adversary. Thus, Mac users must exercise utmost caution and undertake a rigorous endeavor to expunge SharedKey in its entirety from their cherished computing devices.
How to Safeguard My Mac from SharedKey?
Though irksome, unwanted programs like SharedKey can be effectively circumvented by adopting robust online habits. By adhering to the following simple yet prudent measures, you can fortify your defenses against potentially unwanted programs and thwart the clutches of SharedKey:
- Exercise utmost caution when downloading programs, shunning Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites, and other dubious sources.
- During program installations, meticulously peruse the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections for concealed settings, promptly opting out of any potentially unwanted programs that may lurk within.
- Show discretion when it comes to installing superfluous programs, retaining only those deemed essential.
- Vigilantly scrutinize the deluge of excessive or anomalous Internet advertising, as these harbingers of potential unwanted programs and adware can compromise the integrity of your browser.
- Pore over the terms and conditions before proceeding with any program installations, ensuring you remain fully informed.
- Periodically assess your installed software, swiftly uninstalling any applications that prove unwanted or redundant.
- Enlist the aid of a robust anti-malware program, capable of detecting and eradicating potentially unwanted programs.
Eliminate SharedKey from Your Mac
To safeguard your Mac from the clutches of SharedKey and its associated files, diligently follow the instructions presented in the comprehensive removal guide. This guide offers both manual and automated methods, working in unison to eliminate the threat and fortify your Mac against future incursions. If any queries linger or if other assistance is required, please do not hesitate to leave a comment at the conclusion of the removal guide.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and 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 SharedKey files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SharedKey, 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 SharedKey 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 SharedKey:
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 SharedKey. 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 SharedKey. 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 SharedKey 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 SharedKey. 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 SharedKey – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SharedKey-FAQ
What is SharedKey on your Mac?
The SharedKey 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 SharedKey?
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 SharedKey?
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 SharedKey Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SharedKey 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 SharedKey?
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 SharedKey threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.