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UtilityParse is a Mac adware whose primary goal is to deliver intrusive ads for users. It belongs to the Pirrit adware family and is also known by an alternative name of UtilityParze. These types of applications are often categorized as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) as users install them unintentionally and struggle with their removal.
Usually, people infect their computers with adware by downloading software bundles that hold the PUP inside. Once installed, this application displays a notification window asking to provide access to control the main browser, such as Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc. If you allow access, UtilityParze will damage your computer.
Gaining full access to control the browser allows adware to start delivering shady advertisements in a form of pop-ups, banners, and redirects. Unfortunately, since the amount of promotional content becomes relatively excessive, it takes a large portion of CPU power and the computer’s system starts to slow down.
Although, it is not the only damage this potentially unwanted program can cause. The displayed advertisements are never checked for security. In other words, the adware developers are only focused on monetary benefits rather than the user’s privacy and security. Thus, most of the promotional content can spread further infections or lead to scams.
According to testimonials on UtilityParze Reddit forum discussions, experts shared their insights about potential privacy issues this adware can cause. Since it has full control of the used browser, it starts collecting browsing-related information and might share it with third parties or use it for customized advertising.
Gathered data includes IP addresses, query requests, browsing history and everything users type into the search bar. The worst part is that some people might search for specific information by entering private details, such as credentials. Keep in mind that it would be collected and sent to the developers of the adware as well.
The consequences of the activities mentioned above can be very dangerous. In fact, people can not only lose money while being lured in phishing scams but also suffer from identity loss. Additionally, there is a strong risk of even more damaging infections on your computer, like ransomware and malware.
Those who wonder how to get rid of UtilityParze should keep in mind that it consists of many different elements. Successful elimination requires to delete all of them. Thus, the best option is to install a robust antivirus and run an entire system scan. In our professional opinion, INTEGO is the best option to deal with adware-type programs.
Name | UtilityParse |
Type | Adware |
Also known as | UtilityParze |
Family | Pirrit |
Targeted OS | Mac |
Symptoms | Users receive a window with “UtilityParse wants access to control safari.app. Allowing control will provide access to documents and data in safari.app, and to perform actions within that app”; Later, users can notice an excessive amount of intrusive ads |
Distribution | Software bundles and fraudulent Adobe Update pop-ups |
Damage | To the computer: Since the adware uses an excessive amount of CPU power, system performance significantly decreases, and latency increases. High risk of further attacks of more dangerous cyber threats; To the user: People can suffer from financial losses due to scam attempts and continuous collection of personal information; |
Elimination | We suggest using INTEGO to deal with the removal process |
Adware programs do not travel on their own. Usually, they are bundled with other questionable applications as add-ons. Since adware is not the primary software, many users are not even aware that they are installing one on their computers. For that, you should pay attention to the installation process. Otherwise, you might end up with UtilityParse or similiar software like Tapufind on your Mac.
First, do not select an express installation mode while getting the software. This parameter hides important steps of the process and helps to hide attacked add-ons. Instead, always opt for the manual installation method where you can see and monitor every step of the process. This way you will be able to identify the appended adware.
Potentially unwanted programs come as pre-selected tick boxes, such as “I agree to install UtilityParse” and similar ones. You must de-select them and double-check before completing the installation of the primary software. Additionally, we suggest scanning your system with antivirus for potential infiltrations afterward.
Furthermore, some experts detected adware spreading as a well-designed fake Adobe update online. Users can be tricked to install PUPs since the fraudulent pop-ups look almost the same as real notifications from the legitimate software. Thus, you should look attentively before clicking on any suggestions to update applications.
Finally, the best decision would be to avoid browsing on questionable pages and downloading software only from legitimate websites. This way you can significantly improve your computer’s security and stay away from all types of cyber threats.
Since UtilityParze will damage your computer, you should move it to the bin. Yet, the elimination process consists of more steps to ensure that the adware would not reappear on the system. Also, it can often hide its presence so we suggest using a professional antivirus for help.
Our experts recommend scanning your system with INTEGO as it will quickly detect and quarantine all elements of the adware. It will perform UtilityParze removal for you without any complications. Additionally, it is designed to fix adware caused damage and increase your computer’s performance afterward.
Below provided instructions will show you how to remove UtilityParse and restore the affected browser. Elimination guide is suitable for all types of browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Mozilla, and others. Make sure that you follow the steps attentively for successful adware removal.
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UtilityParse 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 UtilityParse 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 UtilityParse 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 UtilityParse 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 UtilityParse 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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Scott Bolton is a senior content strategist in our Geek’s Advice team. He is exceptionally passionate about covering the latest information technology themes and inspire other team members to follow new innovations. Despite the fact that Scott is an old-timer among the Geeks, he still enjoys writing comprehensive articles about exciting cybersecurity news or quick tutorials.
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