What Is ValidConfigType Adware Mac?
ValidConfigType is yet another ad-supported program reported to infect Apple Mac devices. The increasing number of such apps signifies that fraudsters take more and more offensive positions.
ValidConfigType adware app could appear in the Activity Monitor without your permission. Its impact can include data collection, pop-ups generation, settings modifications. Various kinds of promotions may show up on your Mac. The problem is that the ads that you are rerouted to may open scam sites, phishing pages, and malware download portals. Your macOS may get infected by malware as a result of all the internet browser reroutes caused by ValidConfigType.
This is the main reason why undesirable programs like ValidConfigType should be removed from every infected Mac system. Understand more about these adware apps and see how to eliminate them immediately and effectively in the guide below.
ValidConfigType Summary
| Name | ValidConfigType |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on installed web browsers to force them to load browser redirects and display different advertisements. May show a lot of different ad-supported content. |
| 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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ValidConfigType Mac Adware – Activity Report
ValidConfigType is a potentially unwanted program with adware traits. It might pretend to be a legitimate program but its true goal is to monetize its presence on macOS by showing various adverts. Yet another similar app is ConfigType adware.
The last free program you have installed on your Mac may be the reason to notice this undesired app on the device. It might be a toolbar, a web browser add-on, or a plugin for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc. that silently delivered ValidConfigType adware on the system. Such programs share some similarities. They are completely cost-free, they seem useful, and are hosted on suspicious sites.
Here is why security specialists advise Mac users to download and install free apps only after visiting their official sites or Apple store. Avoid third-party sites that may trick you to add potentially unwanted programs to the computer.
As soon as ValidConfigType adware runs on your Mac, it may create multiple harmful files in the following macOS folders:
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /System/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /System/Library/LaunchDaemons
The files can be hard to find as they may be dropped under random names. They will all assist this app to automatically run on the system and perform certain changes of important settings. The undesired app might customize the Mac launch settings in order to run every time the macOS starts. Adjustments of other system preferences may enable the application to prevent you from uninstalling it the traditional way.
Another impact caused by ValidConfigType adware could be supported by the use of cookies or other trackers. Different information may be harvested as a result. Data records may include the following:
- Surfing history.
- Individual clicks.
- Internet searches history.
- Geolocation.
- IP address.
Once ValidConfigType’s operators receive the data records, they may initiate personalized advertising campaigns that aim to persuade you to visit as many sponsored pages as possible. On the one hand, this issue will generate revenue for fraudsters. On the other hand, it lowers your online security and exposes your privacy at risk of violations. This is one of the main reasons why adware apps should not be kept on operating systems.
How to Get rid of ValidConfigType from Your Mac
To get rid of ValidConfigType efficiently, we strongly recommend that you fulfill all the steps below. They will assist you in erasing this infection step by step. If you desire to complete full and at the same time fast removal, you can skip the manual steps and download the suggested anti-malware tool. A fast scan with it will enable you to erase all potentially unwanted and harmful files from the macOS.
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 ValidConfigType files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ValidConfigType, 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 ValidConfigType 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 ValidConfigType:
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 ValidConfigType. 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 ValidConfigType. 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 ValidConfigType 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 ValidConfigType. 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 ValidConfigType – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ValidConfigType-FAQ
What is ValidConfigType on your Mac?
The ValidConfigType 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 ValidConfigType?
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 ValidConfigType?
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 ValidConfigType Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ValidConfigType 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 ValidConfigType?
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 ValidConfigType threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.