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VentureConnect Mac Virus Removal

What Is VentureConnect?

VentureConnect is a form of adware with trojan capabilities, belonging to the AdLoad family of Mac threats. Its main goal is to infiltrate a user’s system and flood it with unwanted advertisements. This insidious adware commonly finds its way onto computers through unwittingly downloading free software or visiting untrustworthy websites.

Once VentureConnect takes root, it generates tons of pop-up ads, forcibly redirects users to malicious websites, and even installs additional adware or spyware on the affected Mac. Consequently, this may result in sluggish performance or complete system crashes.

The most effective approach to steer clear of VentureConnect is to exercise caution when downloading software, ensuring it only comes from trusted sources. Also, remember to refrain from clicking on any suspicious pop-up windows, such as those masquerading as fake Adobe Flash player updates. Staying vigilant against such deceptive tactics can help protect your Mac from this intrusive adware.

What Is AdLoad?

The AdLoad adware family is a group of malicious software that primarily targets Mac operating systems. Adware, short for “advertising-supported software,” is designed to display unwanted advertisements on a user’s device. The AdLoad family, specifically, consists of various adware variants that share similar characteristics and behaviors. These variants are known for their intrusive advertising techniques and deceptive distribution methods.

The main purpose of AdLoad adware is to generate revenue for its creators by forcefully displaying ads to users. These ads may appear as pop-ups, banners, or even in-text advertisements, disrupting the user’s browsing experience and causing annoyance. In some cases, the ads may also lead users to potentially harmful or malicious websites.

VentureConnect Mac Virus Removal

VentureConnect Details

Name VentureConnect a.k.a. Trojan.Adload
Type Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application
Short Description A program that delivers lots of annoying advertisements in browsers it affects.
Symptoms Browser slowdowns could occur due to increased number of ads generated by the adware. Sensitive detials could be obtained by unknown actors.
Distribution Method Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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How Did I Get VentureConnect Installed on My Mac?

The AdLoad family spreads through different channels, but one common method is bundling itself with legitimate software or applications. Users may unknowingly install the adware when downloading free software from untrusted sources.

VentureConnect can get installed on your Mac in a variety of ways. Such programs are typically bundled with freeware or shareware applications, hidden in the installation process. It can also be installed via malicious webpages or links that redirect you to a malicious site. The adware can also be distributed through emails, attachments, and other online sources.

Most of these distribution mechanisms aim to trick you into installing the program without considering the side effects. For the purpose of achieving this goal, bundled software installers are used as well as fake software updates delivered over compromised web pages. An example of a fake update scheme widely adopted by AdLoad variants is the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scam.

What Does VentureConnect Do?

Being an adware program, VentureConnect is primarily designed to show as much online advertisements as possible. Once started on your Mac, the adware could initiate several modifications of browser settings that will enable the generation of vast number of questionable advertisements. The program may be set to affect the settings of all commonly used web browsers including Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.

These ads could pose a serious risk to your Mac. On one hand, they could make your browser sluggish which in turn could diminish significantly your browsing experience. On the other hand, some of them could be set to land you on poorly secured web pages compromised by hackers.

Another issue that may occur while VentureConnect is running on your device is data harvesting. With the help of various tracking technologies, the program could attempt to obtain sensitive data from your affected browsers and then send it to its servers. If you want to prevent this adware program from displaying annoying ads and collecting sensitive data of yours, you need to remove all associated files from affected browsers and system as soon as possible.

Once installed on a system, the adware can be challenging to remove completely, as it may create persistent files or use various obfuscation techniques to evade detection by traditional security software.

Is VentureConnect a Computer Virus?

By definition, VentureConnect does not belong to the family of computer viruses. A computer virus is the type of program that replicates itself upon execution by modifying other programs and inserting its own code. Once the replication happens, the affected areas become “infected” with the computer virus. VentureConnect does not have these properties. However, the program’s behavior fits the description of adware and potentially unwanted programs. AdLoad variants are also known for their backdoor capabilities. In other words, despite not being a real computer virus, VentureConnect is threatening to your online security and should be removed from your Mac.

Is VentureConnect Dangerous?

AdLoad variants have been known to install a persistence agent in Library LaunchAgents folder. This way the adware becomes persistence on the machine, and requires specific technical approach to remove completely. So, in the sense of being persistent and causing issues on the Mac, VentureConnect can be considered a dangerous program that needs to be dealt with.

How to Protect My Mac from VentureConnect?

As annoying a PUP or adware can be, its installation can be avoided easily by building user vigilance. Here are a few easy steps you can take to avoid installing PUPs and becoming a victim of unwanted programs such as VentureConnect:

  • Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
  • Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
  • Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
  • Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
  • Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
  • Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
  • Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.

Remove VentureConnect from Your Mac

To remove VentureConnect, an AdLoad variant, from your Mac, you should follow these steps to ensure a thorough cleanup. First, close all running applications to prevent any interference during the removal process. Next, access the “Applications” folder and locate any suspicious or unfamiliar software related to VentureConnect. Drag these applications to the Trash and empty it afterward. Check for any unfamiliar browser extensions or plugins and remove them from your web browsers. To ensure a comprehensive cleanup, employ reputable anti-malware software specifically designed for Mac systems. The removal guide will help you.

Milena Dimitrova

An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim

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OFFER
REMOVE IT NOW (MAC)
with SpyHunter for Mac
VentureConnect may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter for Mac and run free scan to remove all virus files on your Mac. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Read EULA and Privacy Policy

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 VentureConnect files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as VentureConnect, 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.


Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for VentureConnect:


Download

SpyHunter for Mac


scan and remove mac virus step 1


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 VentureConnect and remove related files and objects

OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

remove mac virus step 1


2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

remove mac virus step 2


3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to VentureConnect:

remove mac virus step 3

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

remove mac virus step 4


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 VentureConnect. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

remove mac virus step 5


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 VentureConnect. 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 VentureConnect 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

fix mac virus from launch agents step 1

2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

fix mac virus from launch agents step 2

3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as VentureConnect. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

fix mac virus from launch agents step 3

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 VentureConnect – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox

Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.Remove a toolbar from Google ChromeRemove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox

1. Start Safari

2. After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

3. From the menu, click on "Preferences"

Remove Mac virus from safari step 1

4. After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab

Remove Mac virus from safari step 2

5. Click once on the extension you want to remove.

6. Click 'Uninstall'

Remove Mac virus from safari step 3

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the VentureConnect will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

remove mac virus from google chrome step 1

2. Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

remove mac virus from google chrome step 2

3. From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the add-on and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.

remove mac virus from google chrome step 3

4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" in the top right corner and start it again.


1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

2. Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

remove mac virus from mozilla firefox step 1

3. Select the Extension and click "Remove"

remove mac virus from mozilla firefox step 2

4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" in the top right corner and start it again.

VentureConnect-FAQ

What is VentureConnect on your Mac?

The VentureConnect 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 VentureConnect?

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 VentureConnect?

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 VentureConnect Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this VentureConnect 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 VentureConnect?

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 VentureConnect threat is backed with VirusTotal.

To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.

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