Many users consider SystemDistrict as a virus. In fact, it is a potentially unwanted program that is being spread via shady techniques like software packages, malicious advertising and hacked websites. It is developed to affect Mac systems. Its presence on the system may lead to some serious security and privacy-related issues. Once the program is running on your Mac, it may alter some of the main Safari and/or Chrome settings. Security experts advise affected users to remove SystemDistrict from their affected Macs as soon as they detect its impact.
Threat Summary
| Name | SystemDistrict PUP |
| Type | PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Safari and Chrome browsers for Mac. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display 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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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SystemDistrict PUP. |
SystemDistrict Virus on Mac – What Does It Do?
What is SystemDistrict? Is it really a virus? SystemDistrict is a program that users usually don’t download and install by their will. Hence it is classified as a potentially unwanted program that infiltrates macOS without users’ knowledge or permission. Many undesired apps for Mac have appeared on the malware scene during the last few months. Some fresh names of undesired apps which we spotted to be lurking across the web are Swift Engine, BeginnerData and Search Pulse.
Typically, these apps are created with the goal to affect browsers installed on Mac systems so that they can start showing sponsored content to affected users. By doing this, PUPs generate revenue for their owners via the advertising model pay-per-click. Even if the mentioned issues don’t sound so bad, security experts highly recommend the complete removal of undesired apps like SystemDistrict form affected Macs.
And here is why. As soon as SystemDistrict manages to run its configuration files on your Mac, it implements a sequence of operations that alter essential system and browser settings. As a result, the app can create a new user profile in order to hide better its files there and make its removal more difficult. It can also create specific entries that enable its automatic start whenever the affected system is started. Then the PUP can alter certain browser preferences in popular browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc. with the purpose to become able to push various types of online ads in affected browsers. The advertisements that may be displayed by SystemDistrict may be of the following types:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
Yet another issue that is likely to silently occur after your Mac gets affected by the so-called SystemDistrict virus is a privacy violation. Since the majority of PUPs for Mac aim to trick you into visiting sponsored websites, they attempt to spy on your online behavior and better identify what content you are more likely to be interested in. To collect data apps like SystemDistrict activate different tracking technologies like cookies, scripts, web beacons, etc. Once the owners of the apps receive harvested details they can configure their advertising campaigns and set their undeisred apps to deliver targeted ads in the affected browsers.
To sum up, SystemDistrict is not a virus as it is not developed to compromise your system or personal data. However, as long as this program is running on your Mac, it disrupts your online security. Furthermore, its presence on the system may be misused by experienced hackers who know how to use its files to bypass active security measures and enter your system without your knowledge.
SystemDistrict Unwanted App on Mac – How Does It Spread?
You may have missed the moment when you executed the unwanted SystemDistrict on your Mac. This is due to the fact that potentially undesired programs like this one are usually delivered with the help of shady techniques like software bundling, corrupted freeware installers, various torrent files and other. All these techniques aim to trick you into installing unwanted programs without noticing the installation process.
So you might have installed SystemDistrict while you were installing another supposedly useful app. Unfortunately, it is easy to agree with the installation of some extra apps without noticing their presence because the information about added extras is rarely disclosed properly. That’s why we recommend the help of the Advanced/Custom setup option. Sometimes it contains information about some additional apps that will be installed by default if you don’t unmark them.
For the sake of your Mac security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of SystemDistrict “virus” from the affected browser and system.
How to Remove SystemDistrict PUP from Affected Safari and macOS
In order to remove SystemDistrict along with all entries it created on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual SystemDistrict removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
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 SystemDistrict PUP files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SystemDistrict PUP, 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 SystemDistrict PUP 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 SystemDistrict PUP:
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 SystemDistrict PUP. 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 SystemDistrict PUP. 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 SystemDistrict PUP 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 SystemDistrict PUP. 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 SystemDistrict PUP – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SystemDistrict PUP-FAQ
What is SystemDistrict PUP on your Mac?
The SystemDistrict PUP 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 SystemDistrict PUP?
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 SystemDistrict PUP?
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 SystemDistrict PUP Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SystemDistrict PUP 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 SystemDistrict PUP?
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 SystemDistrict PUP threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.