What Is SystemExtr Mac?
SystemExtr is what appears to be a trash software application that is reported by malware research experts as being an adware-type of application. This implies that when this program is installed on your Mac it may only look like a beneficial software application, however, it may slow it down and also show various sorts of ads on it. Not just this but also SystemExtr might likewise greatly customize your internet browser so that it can check or alter information on the sites you go to and also can add its own advertisements on the websites that you often open. The sponsored content that is presented by SystemExtr could eventually result in a risky and harmful web site s appearing that could turn out to be destructive websites or a scam site.
This is why we strongly suggest that you read this post as it will help you see methods by which you can remove this undesirable app from your Mac.
SystemExtr Details
| Name | SystemExtr also known as PUP.SystemExtr, PUA.SystemExtr |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| 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 machine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did SystemExtr Get Installed on My Mac?
First of all, we will cover the topic of how this unwanted application has been added to your Mac in the first place. One approach that can be used usually is to be included in the installation actions of another program you may have recently downloaded where SystemExtr could be marketed as a cost-free offer or useful extra that is added for free to your install. And it is really challenging to find such installation steps because they are hidden someplace in the Advanced or Customized setup modes.
One more situation is if you have downloaded this application on your own from a questionable web page that is marketing it as helpful software. We have even seen cases where different malware or adware that might be currently infecting your Mac immediately downloads and runs these programs without your approval.
SystemExtr – What Does It Do?
When SystemExtr is activated and running on your Mac it may tamper with processes or run its own such in Activity Monitor. These processes assist it to heavily modify your web browsers and set its page as a default internet search engine and default website that appears when you open your browsers. The browsers that are victimized by SystemExtr are often typically downloaded ones such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari web browser, Opera, and others.
The advertisements that this application may present on your Mac could be of several types. The key ones we know of until now to be shown by these types of applications are the following:
- Push notifications.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported searches.
- Highlighted texts.
- Data stealer web pages.
- Video ads.
- Redirects.
- Pop-ups.
These ads might not only track your info by utilizing cookies and also various modern technologies but they might likewise lead you to very harmful websites.
This is possibly the primary factor to eliminate this application from your Mac. While the advertisements that it may reveal could be safe there might be those cases where you might be redirected to a harmful site sooner or later.
Is SystemExtr a Virus?
SystemExtr is not classified as a computer virus, as it lacks these capabilities (e.g. self-replication). However, since it is a potentially unwanted program and adware, it can redirect you to suspicious and scamming pages. In other words, the program is considered potentially dangerous and should be removed immediately to avoid further risks.
How to Remove SystemExtr from Mac
In order to remove this unpleasant adware from your Mac, we would strongly advise that you focus on following the removal guide that is listed below. It contains the actions that you require to carry out to get rid of this software from your web browsers and your Macintosh. If you want a quick and automatic option that has high effectiveness when it comes to the removal procedure of this application, then we strongly advise that you download and run a scan of your computer by using an advanced Mac clean-up software. This app is made so that it can check for and identify all harmful files and trackers on your Mac and make it protected against such dangers in the future too.
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 SystemExtr files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SystemExtr, 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 SystemExtr 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 SystemExtr:
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 SystemExtr. 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 SystemExtr. 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 SystemExtr 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 SystemExtr. 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 SystemExtr – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
SystemExtr-FAQ
What is SystemExtr on your Mac?
The SystemExtr 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 SystemExtr?
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 SystemExtr?
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 SystemExtr Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SystemExtr 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 SystemExtr?
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 SystemExtr threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.