What Is SyncApp Mac
SyncApp is the name of a software application for Mac has been reported to be ad-supported. Switch applications are often referred to as potentially unwanted programs, also known as PUP. These apps exist only to show ads for profit and this is what makes them risky. Some of these ads could lead to dangerous websites that may even scam you out of your money or affect your Mac with dangerous malware. This is the main reason why programs, like SyncApp are considered threats to Mac.
Read this article to learn more about SyncApp and how you can remove it from your Mac completely.
SyncApp Summary
Name | SyncApp |
Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP / Scam Redirect |
Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser 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 computer. |
Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SyncApp. |
SyncApp – What Does It Do?
SyncApp is a software that we believe is from a well-known adware family known as AdLoad. Other applications of this family also include KeyData, ProcessField and BeyondLaunch. The main methods that are used for these apps to end up on your Mac are often known as re-directing you to webpages that may contain a fake flash player update or some other suspicious claim. Many users also report fake error messages as well to be the reason why these apps get slithered on your Mac from your web browser.
SyncApp may be responsible for different changes of your web browsing settings, like your default search page, new tab and homepages. This application may be the reason why you may start seeing various kinds of advertisements, like the following ones:
- Custom search result ads.
- Highlighted text links.
- Third-party transfers.
- Browser pop-ups.
- Banner promotions.
- Push notification pop-ups.
Only this but also SyncApp may use cookies, geo locators, tags, pixels and other types of trackers to obtain information about what you do online, like the following details:
- Pages you have visited.
- Mouse movements and clicks.
- Websites that are bookmarked.
- Browsing history.
- Search history.
SyncApp is the kind of application that could be responsible for showing you dangerous advertisements as well. Some of the ads it shows could be leading to risky domains, like the following ones:
- Multiple pay-per-click browser redirects that lead to dangerous sites.
- Rogue software or scam software download URLs.
- Scam domains and pages.
- Scam survey pages.
- Phishing domains.
- Virus websites or malicious URLs.
- Fake tech support pages.
This is the main problem that is related to the software and this is why we do advise removing it as soon as you see it.
Remove SyncApp from Your Mac
If you are looking for ways to get rid of this application from your Mac permanently and stop it ads, then we suggest following the removal guide which we have created beneath this article. It has been made with the main idea to clean up your web browser and your device from the software and others like it, if present. If you want to achieve the maximum effectiveness during the removal, then we recommend that you try the professional solution which is to download and run a scan with anti-malware for Mac. The software is made with the main idea to best assist you by automatically detecting and getting rid of any viruses from your Mac.
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 SyncApp files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SyncApp, 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 SyncApp 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 SyncApp:
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 SyncApp. 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 SyncApp. 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 SyncApp 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 SyncApp. 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 SyncApp – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SyncApp-FAQ
What is SyncApp on your Mac?
The SyncApp 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 SyncApp?
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 SyncApp?
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 SyncApp Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SyncApp 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 SyncApp?
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 SyncApp threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.