What Is SoftwareHandler Adware
This article has actually been created with the primary reason to help you understand what is the supposed “virus” related to SoftwareHandler and also reveal to you methods via which you can remove it from your computer.
A brand-new unwanted software application that belongs to a dubious online search engine coming from the SoftwareHandler domain was just recently found to be added on Mac devices. The undesirable software program intends to display different kinds of advertisements on the customer computer system and then make use of these to do numerous various sorts of tracking. Along with the ads, the “infection” which is in fact a PUP (potentially unwanted program) may lead customers to different third-party websites, the main goal of which is to typically either reroute individuals to scam websites or perhaps infect them with malware. This is why this program is categorized as possibly undesirable and also indirectly dangerous to users. This is the main reason we recommend that you read this short article if you experience problems on your Mac and also want to eliminate SoftwareHandler completely.
SoftwareHandler Virus
The main approach of duplication that is utilized in association with this web browser hijacker is believed to be performed through what is referred to as software program bundling. This approach is the including of the program documents of the SoftwareHandler hijacker to another totally free app that you may have added to your Mac from a third-party website. The main idea behind this is for the totally free applications to be spread out using various different types of programs, the primary ones of which are believed to be usually made use of free apps, like media players, torrent software program as well as several various other sorts of applications.
Threat Summary
| Name | SoftwareHandler |
| Type | Adware for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser and Mac in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SoftwareHandler. |
SoftwareHandler – Description
Along with this, the program might additionally be automatically included as a web internet browser expansion. This can take place through JavaScript which advertisements it as soon as you check out a questionable site and approve the app to be set up. Commonly it is claiming to be a free toolbar that is utilized to supply less complicated accessibility to various emails, Facebook, news, and the weather condition.
As soon as the SoftwareHandler browser hijacker is added on your web internet browser, you might right away start seeing it to be established as a default web page:
The internet browser hijacker presents a search engine, which when utilized redirects you by means of a new tab to results from Yahoo.com, that are constrained up with advertisements to third-party internet sites.
Several of the ads which you click may even lead you to one more third-party engine, which does not have anything to do with Yahoo search also:
These sorts of clicks causing third-party search sites additionally contribute to the major version that the SoftwareHandler web browser hijacker does not have it’s own online search engine, which is typical for scam online search engine. Furthermore, the web browser hijacker is likewise the kind of software application targeted at developing several various kinds of cookies and various other monitoring technologies on your Mac as we have found:
These tracking modern technologies all aim to acquire the list below sorts of info from your web browser:
- Texttt
- Surfing history.
- Browse background.
- Information on the websites you have actually bookmarked.
- On-line clicks details.
- The advertisements you have actually clicked.
These details is typically made use of to show different sorts of ads. These ads may not just slow down your Mac, yet additionally stand for a couple of dangers to It, such as they may lead you to scam sites as well as they might even lead you to harmful sites, that might contaminate your Mac with malware. They are various kinds:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Online search engine result.
- Highlighted text ads.
Besides the unusually high amount of advertising and marketing, the SoftwareHandler hijacker may additionally carry out various other undesirable activities on the target device, such as to display numerous pop-ups that it wants the individual to allow press notice. This might better contribute the process of revealing third-party ads on your Mac:
Remove SoftwareHandler PUP from Your Mac
If you want to remove the SoftwareHandler PUP from your Mac effectively, we would suggest that you comply with the removal instructions that are underneath this post. They have been produced with the main goal of making it easier for you to find and also get rid of any apps, associated with the SoftwareHandler from your Mac either by hand or automatically. If the hand-operated removal fails, we advise what the majority of safety and security professionals would recommend you do and that is to download and run a check of your Mac, making use of an advanced anti-malware software program. Its key function is to scan your Mac for any kind of malware as well as remove it totally so that the equipment stays shielded.
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 SoftwareHandler files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SoftwareHandler, 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 SoftwareHandler 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 SoftwareHandler:
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 SoftwareHandler. 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 SoftwareHandler. 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 SoftwareHandler 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 SoftwareHandler. 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 SoftwareHandler – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SoftwareHandler-FAQ
What is SoftwareHandler on your Mac?
The SoftwareHandler 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 SoftwareHandler?
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 SoftwareHandler?
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 SoftwareHandler Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SoftwareHandler 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 SoftwareHandler?
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 SoftwareHandler threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.