What Is UpdateAgent Mac?
UpdateAgent is a dropper that targets macOS users. There are reports that the dropper is frequently updated by its authors, and new variants are appearing in the wild. The new UpdateAgent executables connect to a registration server and pull down new instructions in the form of a bash script. The malware also relies on the AWS infrastructure to host its various payloads and apply its infection status updates to the server. These active changes showcase the malware authors’ intention to infect as many Mac users as possible.
Read this article to learn more about the consequences of having UpdateAgent on your Mac and how to remove it from it effectively.
UpdateAgent Summary
| Name | UpdateAgent |
| Type | Mac Virus |
| Short Description | The UpdateAgent message appearing means that this error message could be the consequence of some type of Malware added on your Mac. |
| Symptoms | A pop-up appears, stating “UpdateAgent will damage your computer”. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Device Has Been Affected by UpdateAgent
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss UpdateAgent. |
UpdateAgent Mac Virus – What Does It Do?
UpdateAgent, also known as “UpdateAgentd will damage your computer” is a malware dropper for Mac, and it may be very similar to some other threats we have seen, including Scan Event Handler, DiscoveryUnitd, CiscoAnyConnect and “P” will damage your computer.
These programs often end up on your Mac in the form of seemingly legitimate applications that you may have added from some type of a shady website. Please note that mainly adware families are dropping it. However, security researchers are worried that its creators may have other, more malicious plans for UpdateAgent in the future, considering its well-built infrastructure and frequent updates. This means that you should be extra vigilant and keep your Mac protected.
It is also a possibility that these programs may have been automatically added via a script or some other type of configuration on site you have visited.
The main activities for which this software may be responsible, once it ends up on your Mac could be among the following:
- Deleting files.
- Controlling your internet connection.
- Downloading an adding other adware.
- Taking screenshots.
- Logging the keys you type in real-time.
- Stealing passwords and other information saved on your web browser.
- Stealing files.
- Damage causing your files to no longer be able to be opened.
- Tapping into your microphone or camera.
Adware programs often are responsible for the following kinds of ads on your browser:
- Notification pop-ups.
- Pop-up ads.
- Banner adware.
- Redirects.
- Search results advertisements.
- Highlighted ads in text.
These ads may not only bring risky software, like UpdateAgent, but they could also lead to some dangerous websites, for example:
- Fake Tech Support scams.
- Fraud surveys.
- Scam sites.
- Virus websites.
- Phishing pages.
Be advised that having the UpdateAgent malware active on your Mac for long periods of time may expose it to some very nasty infections, such as:
- Ransomware for Mac.
- Trojans.
- Rootkits.
- Adware viruses.
- Botnets.
This is why it is strongly recommended to remove this risky software from your Mac as soon as you can.
Is UpdateAgent Mac Dropper a Virus?
Droppers are not viruses but they could be used to drop additional malicious payloads on an infected endpoint. In other words, depending on the goals of malware authors, the threat can be used in campaigns that deliver malware.
Remove UpdateAgent from Your Mac
In order to get rid of UpdateAgent successfully from your Mac, strongly recommended that she follow the removal manual that has been posted beneath this blog article. It has been designed to have the necessary steps it takes to clean up your web browser and your MacOS. For the best removal, it is often a recommended practice do you use an advanced anti-malware for Mac. Downloading and scanning your computer with such a program will effectively help make sure that all of the unwanted software and malware is deleted and your device is clean.
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 UpdateAgent files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as UpdateAgent, 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 UpdateAgent 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 UpdateAgent:
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 UpdateAgent. 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 UpdateAgent. 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 UpdateAgent 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 UpdateAgent. 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 UpdateAgent – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
UpdateAgent-FAQ
What is UpdateAgent on your Mac?
The UpdateAgent 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 UpdateAgent?
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 UpdateAgent?
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 UpdateAgent Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this UpdateAgent 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 UpdateAgent?
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 UpdateAgent threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.