What is a MacKeeper?
This adware is a PUP (potentially unwanted program) that modifies the victim’s machine and web browser settings so that you will be randomly rerouted to various intrusive advertisements.
This MacKeeper also pop-ups ad which is the outcome of the adware that was installed on your device. This adware program is bundled with other free software that you might have download off of the Internet. Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed adware without you being aware about it.
Once this malicious app is installed, whenever you will browse the Internet, unwanted advertisements will pop-up on web pages that you visit. These ads are aimed to promote the installation of additional questionable content including web browser toolbars, optimization utilities and other products, all so the adware publisher can generate pay-per-click revenue.
Also read- How To Remove Search.searchcl.com Browser Redirect Virus?
This adware may not cause damages to your files or your Mac system, but it displays huge number of unwanted advertisements. These advertisements will be injected within the content of sites that are you opening in your web browser and can be varied: pop-up ads, in-text ads, different sized banners, offers to install questionable software
It’s clear that this adware, infects your computer without your permission, steals your private and confidential info such as: your IP address, the web page you are viewing presently, what you are searching for on the Internet, which links you are clicking, and much more. The most malicious factor is that this ‘ad supported’ software may monetize its functionality by gathering confidential info from your browsing sessions and selling it to third party companies. This puts your privacy data at a security risk.
History of MacKeeper-
MacKeeper's creator were changed in 2013.Its previous owner and developer ZeoBIT, LLC sold the product to Kromtech Alliance Corp. The earlier owners, ZeoBIT, used aggressive marketing strategies to promote the MacKeeper software, which had negative effects and earned a bad reputation for the product. As a result, the company was charged for using deceptive tactics to convince users to purchase the full version of the software. The current owner of MacKeeper is Kromtech Alliance, changed its marketing policy and the company has significantly lowered the program's campaigns. Although MacKeeper pop-ups still runs while browsing the Internet, now they are nowhere as aggressive as they used to be when the product was owned by ZeoBIT.
How does MacKeeper adware infect a system?
- Adware is a result of browser hijacking.
- When a web browser is affected by a browser hijacker, its primary objective is to authorize the installation of adware without the user's approval.
- The malware authors have developed advanced tools which can scan the network for target computers running an older version of windows or for computers running outdated antivirus and antimalware programs.
- It also infects the computer through infected third-party websites or malevolent websites.
- It can also infect the computer through portable storage devices like USB stick or portable hard drive.
- Adware can also infect the computer via third-party websites, while you want to view or download a free content or want to try a free program, in this case, these free things could come bundled with such malicious programs.
Common symptoms of MacKeeper Adware:
- Unstable behavior of the browser, frequent crashes.
- Changes the default search engine and Homepage.
- Your web browsers are now equipped with all new add-ons toolbars and extensions.
- Poor system performance, slow response time as advertisements would be the first priority, this will result in slow internet speed.
- The operating system would crash now and then, or computer would boot up for no reason.
- New tabs open in browser to display ads or search results would always end up with displaying advertisement banners.
1. Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads in the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs. So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc.
2. Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update. By doing this you can keep your device free from virus. According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
3. Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
4. Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection. Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
5. Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like McAfee or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Free Virus Removal Tool
6. Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla,and IE.
