What Is “Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer?
The “Vpnagentd” will damage your computer message may appear as a pop-up window on your Mac. Its sudden appearance may be disturbing and you may suppose that something dangerous is happening with your Mac.
One of the reasons to see this error message is an active Cisco AnyConnect software suite that tries to activate its VPN module. Your Mac may block the process due to Vpnagentd’s attempt to run in the background of other active processes. In this case, the Vpnagentd error message is related to a legitimate service and you don’t need to worry about the security state of your Mac.
However, if you don’t have the Cisco AnyConnect software installed on the device, it is very likely that a potentially unwanted program has affected your macOS and is now trying to get administrator privileges. The app could be of adware-type. Adware’s main purpose is to attack your operating system and start presenting you with lots of ads.
Such programs have one main goal – to generate profit for their developers. Hence, the ads they display may open both reliable and dangerous sources. Therefore, adware applications are not to be underestimated. We recommend that you read this article that will help you to secure your Mac by removing all harmful “Vpnagentd” will damage your computer instances from your Mac.
“Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer Summary
| Name | Vpnagentd |
| Type | May be an error generated by PUP |
| Short Description | A pop-up that may try to trick you to enable an associated undesired program to modify the settings on your web browser and macOS. The relate app could then start to cause browser redirects and display different adverts. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your computer. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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“Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer – What Should You Know?
The “Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer loads as a standard warning pop-up on macOS. The error message loads on the screen due to suspicious behavior detected by the macOS security features. In fact, Vpnagentd error may be triggered by the VPN module of a legitimate program called Cisco AnyConnect. If you believe that this is your case, you could accept the message and continue using your Mac without worries.
However, the message may also be requesting you to enable a potentially unwanted application of the same name to perform vicious changes. There are quite a lot of undesired apps that misuse the names of legitimate programs in order to make you more prone to keep them on the system. How a PUP might have obtained access to your macOS is via software bundle, fake software update, or bogus site.
The main reason why these programs should not be trusted is their origin. They are often created by unverified publishers who do not follow the official macOS rules. Other programs, like Vpnagentd which we have already detected before are Conf Search WebApplookup, and Glims adware.
The nasty adware that is showing the “Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer may also try to display the following ads on your Mac:
- Ads, embedded in text.
- Pop-ups.
- Banner promotions.
- Push pop-ups.
- Search result ads.
- Redirections.
Your Mac may be slowed down by the tons of ads it is forced to load. Furthermore, the adware that may be associated with “Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer error may also perform tons of other activities. Tracking your online activity is one of them. Via cookies and other technologies the app may obtain:
- The web pages you have visited.
- Where you click online.
- Which sites are your bookmarks.
- What is your browsing history.
Security researchers recommend a thorough check of the security of every macOS that has displayed the “Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer pop-up error message. The complete removal of any present undesired or harmful files will keep the system safe from further security issues. Check out how to perform the removal right below.
Is Vpnagentd Malware?
In case you see the Vpnagentd message popping up on your Mac, then there is a chance that the software may not only be of ad supported type. Many malware authors create their viruses and mask them to appear like legitimate applications. In case the software is a malicious character, then your Mac is exposed to the following virus activities which may be performed by it:
- Tapping into your microphone or camera.
- Stealing files.
- Deleting files.
- Controlling your internet connection.
- Downloading an adding other adware.
- Damage causing your files to no longer be able to be opened.
- Taking screenshots.
- Logging the keys you type in real-time.
- Stealing passwords and other information saved on your web browser.
It is not known to extend the software may affect your Mac. This is the main reason why it is strongly recommended to remove it from your device as soon as you can.
Remove “Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer
To get rid of the “Vpnagentd” Will Damage Your Computer pop-up and the bogus software that may be causing it, we recommend that you read the removal guide beneath this article. It has been created with the primary purpose to help you get rid of any vicious unwanted programs added to your browser and macOS. For a removal with maximum effectiveness, we strongly recommend that you download advanced anti-malware software and scan the system with the tool. Such a program is specially created to detect and delete all files created by nasty apps. It ensures you that these files are gone forever and keep the macOS secured against other malware.
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 Vpnagentd files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Vpnagentd, 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 Vpnagentd 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 Vpnagentd:
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 Vpnagentd. 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 Vpnagentd. 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 Vpnagentd 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 Vpnagentd. 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 Vpnagentd – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Vpnagentd-FAQ
What is Vpnagentd on your Mac?
The Vpnagentd 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 Vpnagentd?
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 Vpnagentd?
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 Vpnagentd Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Vpnagentd 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 Vpnagentd?
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 Vpnagentd threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.