If you’ve used the internet long enough, chances are you’ve encountered ad-injection software or adware. Adware presents itself in many annoying forms such as pop-up windows, ads, changing your homepage, and extra banners or toolbars when using your browser.
Adware is usually picked up when installing third-party software, it is disguised or bundled with other software that you intend to install. If you think your Mac has been infected with adware then use these steps to rid yourself of this issue.
Check Safari settings and extensions
- Open Safari
- From the menu bar select Safari > Preferences
- Select the General icon and make sure that the Homepage field contains the website you want.
- Select the Search icon and make sure that the search engine setting shows your preferred search engine. Some versions of Safari have this setting in the General pane instead.
- Click the Extensions icon. If you don’t want an extension or don’t recognize it, select the extension from the list and click Uninstall.
Removing Adware
Downlite, VSearch, Conduit, Trovi, MyBrand, and Search Protect are all common adware that are found on Macs. You can use this “Go to Folder” method to find and remove each item listed in the sections below, one item at a time:
- Drag to select an entire line in the lists below, starting with /System/Library/Frameworks/v.framework, for example.
- Choose Edit > Copy.
- Open a Finder window, then choose View > As Columns.
- Choose Go > Go to Folder.
- Choose Edit > Paste to paste the line you copied into the text field.
- Press Return.
- If the item is on your Mac, a window opens with the item you searched for already selected. Drag only that item to the Trash. If you’re asked to enter a password, enter your administrator password.
- If the item is not on your Mac, you’ll see a message that the folder can’t be found. Continue to the next item in the list.
Repeat the steps above using the files listed below:
/System/Library/Frameworks/v.framework
/System/Library/Frameworks/VSearch.framework
/Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/Jack
/Library/InputManagers/CTLoader/
/Library/Application Support/Conduit/
~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/ConduitNPAPIPlugin.plugin
~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/TroviNPAPIPlugin.plugin
/Applications/SearchProtect.app
After you remove the items above, restart your Mac. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash to permanently remove them.
If you found the above steps to be difficult, then you should try this adware removal tool called AdwareMedic that will do the leg work for you. AdwareMedic was created by Thomas Reed, a computer enthusiast and Mac fanatic. Thomas has a blog, thesafemac.com, dedicated to malware and adware prevention and removal. His website is a valuable resource and worth checking out, as well as his comprehensive adware removal guide.
