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UpdaterSync is an adware-type potentially unwanted application (PUA) that targets Mac operating system users. It is known to be part of Adload malware family which has browser-hijacker like functionalities as well. Once installed on the target system, it can alter browser settings to promote fake search engines and serve advertisements in various forms daily. On top of that, it also silently collects browsing behaviour data for analysis.
This adware-type application annoys mac users by displaying banners, pop-ups and pop-under ads, coupon codes and other promotional notifications during user’s browsing sessions. Such load of external resources can severely diminish user’s browsing experience and interfere with regular browsing activities. Besides, the origins of these ads can be both secure and dangerous, therefore it is not a very good idea to click on them or interact with their content carelessly.
In the worst scenario, clicking on such ads can throw you to websites that promote spyware or even malware-type applications. Other domains can ask you to sign up on suspicious sites, fill out surveys and provide personally-identifiable information and so on. That said, cybersecurity experts recommend to remove UpdaterSync adware without any doubt.
Remove UpdaterSync using INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Mac (includes scanning for iOS devices). The one-of-a-kind security suite provides VirusBarrier X9 real-time protection against Mac and Windows-based malware, removes existing threats and scans for malware in popular e-mail clients. Includes NetBarrier X9, an intelligent firewall for home, work and public connections.
Speaking of the adware’s browser-hijacking capabilities, it tends to assign a specific fake search engine to user’s browsers, such as Safari, Chrome, and any other installed on the OS. In such situation, you will be forced to see a new search engine every time you open your browser or a new tab in it. This search engine typically grabs search query and causes a number of intermediate redirects, hitting various ad networks, before landing you on a modified or legitimate version of popular search engines. Consequently, such hijackers get names such as Yahoo redirect, Bing redirect, or Google redirect virus. In order to stop these annoying redirects, one needs to remove the software managing browser’s settings for good.
Finally, during its stay on the infected system, UpdaterSync collects various information about user’s activities online, such as browsing history, search queries, installed extensions, geolocation of device, or even IP address.
This adware-type application originates from Adload family, which has many variants named differently, such as ExecutiveOperation, UltraLocator and others. Researchers have observed its developers’ tendency to modify the software slightly to avoid static hash-based antivirus detection and bypass Mac in-built XProtect system. For this reason, we recommend using INTEGO to remove UpdaterSync virus from the system. It is a great security product for Mac which scores 100% in Mac malware detection tests.
Name | UpdaterSync malware |
Type | Mac malware; adware |
Target system | Mac OS X |
Other variants | UltraLocator, ExecutiveOperation and others |
Detection names | Adware.MAC.Adload.IZ (B) (Emsisoft), Adware.MAC.Adload.IZ (Bitdefender), PUA:Win32/Vigua.A (Microsoft), see full list on VirusTotal |
Activity | This adware-type infection installs web proxy to redirect user’s traffic through its own servers, generating revenue for the developer. The user might notice browser redirects, browser search settings changes, pop-up ads and similar promotional material. |
Distribution | Spreads alongside freeware bundles and fake Adobe Flash update pop-ups served by dubious websites |
Found along | Mughthesec, MMInstall, MMProt, MyShopCoupon, SurfBuyer, Souter |
Removal | Remove Adload malware using INTEGO |
If you’re trying to avoid getting infected by UpdaterSync or other Adload malware versions, you should familiarize yourself with its common distribution methods. There are two main paths how it finds way to intrude computer systems – it’s software bundling and fake software update pop-ups.
Software bundles are application installers filled with “suggestions” to install recommended software alongside them. In Mac, it is hard to notice these suggestions and opt them out. Therefore, if you tend to download free software versions from unconfirmed Internet websites, you risk ending up with unwanted software extras on your Mac. This adware might also arrive via fake Mac optimization software.
Another popular way to infect unsuspecting users’ computers is to present unwanted software as a popular program’s update ad. Adobe Flash Player is a well-known name, therefore criminals are abusing it by presenting suggestions to update it on various shady websites. Once the user clicks the ad to install the promised “update”, hidden programs land on the computer. Because of this, you should never install software updates from unknown websites. In such scenario, you should head to the official Adobe’s website to check whether there are any updates you need.
In order to cleanse your computer, you should remove UpdaterSync adware without a delay. You can do it manually (although it is hard and requires specific computing skills), or automatically using an award-winning Mac antivirus INTEGO. You can find instructions on how to easily clean your computer down below.
Once you finalise UpdaterSync virus removal, try to avoid visiting shady websites and downloading random programs to your Mac again.
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INTEGO antivirus is one of the leading security products for Mac that includes VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9 features allowing detection of viruses, ransomware, adware, browser hijackers, Trojans, backdoors and other threats and blocks suspicious network connections. If any detections are found, the software will eliminate them. Learn more about the software's features in its full review.
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UpdaterSync adware Removal Tutorial
To remove the unwanted program from your Mac, use these instructions below to uninstall associated applications from your Mac computer. Then scroll down for instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Remove UpdaterSync adware from Mac
Remove using INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Mac (includes scanning for iOS devices). The one-of-a-kind security suite provides VirusBarrier X9 real-time protection against Mac and Windows-based malware, removes existing threats and scans for malware in popular e-mail clients. Includes NetBarrier X9, an intelligent firewall for home, work and public connections.
Remove UpdaterSync adware from Safari
Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions
Change Safari Homepage and default search engine
Remove push notifications on Safari
Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide:
Reset Safari
Remove UpdaterSync adware from Google Chrome
Remove suspicious Chrome extensions
Change Start Page settings
Change default search settings
Remove push notifications from Chrome
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps:
Reset Google Chrome browser
Remove UpdaterSync adware from Mozilla Firefox
Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox
Change Firefox Homepage
Alter preferences in Firefox
Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox
Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla's settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps:
Reset Mozilla Firefox
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Matt Corey is passionate about the latest tech news, gadgets and everything IT. Matt loves to criticize Windows and help people solve problems related to this operating system. When he’s not tinkering around with new gadgets he orders, he enjoys skydiving, as it is his favorite way to clear his mind and relax.
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