SmartTask Mac Adware
SmartTask is an ad-supported app for Mac. It is not malicious but anti-malware tools detect it is a potentially unwanted program. Hence, this compatible with macOS program may endanger the overall security. By flooding installed web browsers with various intrusive adverts, it may trick people into visiting vicious sites promoting fake services or malicious software.
You won’t install this app by your will. How SmartTask adware may have sneaked into your Mac is via a software bundle. Keep reading this article where you will find more about how SmartTask adware works and how to prevent its negative impact on your Mac.
SmartTask Summary
| Name | SmartTask |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks browsers installed on macOS. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. Generates annoying ads. |
| 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 |
| Detection Tool |
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SmartTask Adware – Why Is This App Installed on My Mac?
The sudden appearance of SmartTask adware on Mac may happen after you click on a fake software update prompt. The most popular update of this type misused the name of the credible Adobe Flash Player.
Pop-ups may show up on your screen to inform you that your Flash Player is out of date. If you followed the instructions presented by one such page and downloaded the offered update, you would find out that instead of an important update, you installed a potentially undesired program.
A redirect to a webpage like the one shown below may be the reason why you see SmartTask adware on your Mac:
SmartTask Adware – What Does It Do?
The activation of SmartTask adware on your Mac leads to system settings changes that lower overall macOS security. The unwanted application may be configured to obtain access to installed web browsers where it can replace the default search engine, the new tab page and the homepage URLs.
Without your consent, you may be forced to use the services of a hijacker or Yahoo Search. Additional changes that affect browsers’ settings could be altered with the purpose to enable this adware to display various advertisements. Unwanted browser extensions may also be added to target browsers to support adware’s activities.
Adware programs operate with the sole purpose to monetize their access to computer systems. This monetization mechanism suggests that the app could display shady ads that link to unreliable sources just to gain profit by your clicks on ads. Some of the adverts may open corrupted websites that trigger malicious scripts developed to infect systems with harmful software. Sites promoted by adware like SmartTask, FreshSkill, MicroLocator, AdjustableValue may host online scams, rogue applications, and even malware.
All those apps belong to the AdLoad family of threats for Mac. They have been reported as dangerous for macOS and that’s why security experts recommend their removal.
How to Remove SmartTask Mac Adware
To eliminate SmartTask along with all the entries it has created on your Mac system, you should complete several removal steps. Following their precise order shown below will guarantee you the full removal of any files installed by undesired programs. At the end of the process, your macOS security will be improved as well.
Before you begin, note that the manual removal might be quite a complicated process. It requires advanced technical skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
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 SmartTask files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SmartTask, 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 SmartTask 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 SmartTask:
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 SmartTask. 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 SmartTask. 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 SmartTask 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 SmartTask. 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 SmartTask – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SmartTask-FAQ
What is SmartTask on your Mac?
The SmartTask 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 SmartTask?
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 SmartTask?
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 SmartTask Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SmartTask 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 SmartTask?
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 SmartTask threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.