What Is Speedbit
Speedbit is categorized as a rogue software application. Programs, like this one, only aim to scam you out of your money by presenting fake scans all the time that always seem to catch errors on your Mac. These errors almost always are “dangerous” and seem to slow it down, but the truth is that they are fake detections. This is all done so that the Speedbit software convinces you to buy its full version in order to fix your Mac and otherwise you cannot do anything. These scammy programs are not to be trusted and even entering your credit card details may expose your bank account to these scammers. This is why, recommendations are to focus on removing Speedbit from your Mac as soon as possible.
Read this article to understand how to fully get rid of Speedbit from your Mac.
Speedbit Summary
| Name | Speedbit |
| Type | Rogue Software / PUP |
| Short Description | May perform fake scans on your Mac only to get you to buy a full version.. |
| Symptoms | Could run automatically showing errors in the hundreds each time you open 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 Speedbit. |
Speedbit – What Does It Do?
Speedbit is one of that unwanted software that many refer to as fake optimizers. There are many such programs out there, for example Tunenup, Driver Magic and PC Optimizer Pro. These programs are only after one thing and that is certainly not to fix your computer. They may present tons of fake scans that show you hundreds of detections. All of this is done with one purpose – to get you to fix the issues. But to fix them, you have to purchase the full version of Speedbit software, which is where the scammers scheme begins to take place. The purchase may take you to a web page that may ask you for your credit card details. If you type them, you may get enrolled in a subscription scheme or even worse – have your financial information stolen.
But how did Speedbit get in your computer in the first place? One of the most used methods is known as software bundling. This means that Speedbit could be optionally added to your computer via the setup of another free app you may have recently downloaded. The way this works is for Speedbit to exist as an install step you may have missed while installing the software as it is often in the “Custom” installation rather that the “Express” one.
Another way Speedbit may be added to your computer is likely automatically via some type of Trojan.clicker or adware. If this is the case, then you may also see ads on your computer, such as:
- Third-party site redirects.
- Ads that show up instead of search results.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Web banners.
- Push promotion pop-ups.
- Browser pop-up ads.
In case you have Speedbit or any adware that may be on your computer, be advised that it is exposed to a number of threats that may eventually appear due to redirects and ads, even though the program is not malware itself. Such threats could be websites, like the following:
- Fraud websites.
- Fake software download sites.
- Endless redirect schemes.
- Fake surveys.
- Fake or phishing sites.
- Viruses and other malware.
- Fake tech support scams.
This is the main reason not to trust nasty apps, like Speedbit and focus on removing them as soon as you possibly can.
Remove Speedbit from Your Device
Speedbit is the kind of software that could prove to be a bit tricky to get rid of. The main reason for that is this program creates tons of unwanted files on your Mac that may be problematic in different ways. The instructions below will help you to uninstall this app either by yourself or automatically. For the most effective removal method, security professionals often advise victims to remove Speedbit using anti-malware. Such a program will scan for this software and make sure that all of its files and objects are removed from your computer so that it does not return in the future.
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 Speedbit files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Speedbit, 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 Speedbit 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 Speedbit:
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 Speedbit. 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 Speedbit. 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 Speedbit 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 Speedbit. 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 Speedbit – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Speedbit-FAQ
What is Speedbit on your Mac?
The Speedbit 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
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 the following Apple devices can become infected with a threat:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What Are The Symptoms of Speedbit On Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like Speedbit?
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 Speedbit?
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 Speedbit Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Speedbit 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 Speedbit?
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 Speedbit threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.