Although 2020 will surely go down as “virus year,” viruses on Mac are not going anywhere. Just recently, a fake Adobe Flash Player updater named Shlayer has infected 10% of all Macs in the world (according to Kaspersky’s lab).
Even newer malware type, Tarmac, is increasingly sweeping the Mac world. All it takes to contract it is to open a pirated website or even click a link on Wikipedia. At least that’s been the case with Shlayer, which had its malicious links planted inside Wikipedia’s external resources.
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In this Mac Malware removal guide, we’ll tell you how to get rid of malware on your Mac. We’ll also cover how to tell apart different viruses on Mac: adware, scareware, and others. We’ll be using the manual methods as well as some respected antivirus tools for Mac. Let’s go.
What is malware
First off, let’s point out that the term “malware” is a broad term for all unwanted intrusions. It’s also not synonymous with the term “virus” because the latter is only a model of distribution i.e. how an app self-replicates. Here are common types of malware you can encounter on Mac:
- Download managers — download unauthorized objects
- Spyware and keyloggers — steal users’ personal data
- Backdoor infections — apps that remotely seize control of your computer
- Rootkit — infiltrate admin privileges
- Botnet — turn your Mac into a shadow bot
- Trojan horses — apps disguised as legit software
- Ransomware — lock your Mac’s screen
- PUP — potentially unwanted programs
Among these, PUPs are the most numerous type. According to Malwarebytes, Windows platform is no longer a hotbed for viruses — the macOS is. The has been a 400% spike in macOS-specific malware infections with an average of 11 threats per number of Mac devices — the same figure for Windows is only 5.8.
Mac malware: The symptoms
Oftentimes a malware app would trick you into believing it’s perfectly harmless. Such apps are known to disguise themselves as antiviruses, extractors or video players. But how to check your Mac for viruses? Here are some of the tell-tale signs:
- A sudden drop in Mac’s performance or frequent freeze-ups.
- Pages that you visit get obscured with ads.
- Unexpected Mac reboots or apps starting for no reason.
- Your browser installs suspicious updates automatically.
How Mac can get infected with malware
By clicking on fake Flash Player updater. Or by installing a seemingly useful browser extension. As of 2020, a trojan browser extension NewTab infected 30 million Mac computers. Mac os app sandbox windows 10. This malware disguised itself as a parcel tracking helper but was in fact spreading ads. So how to protect your Mac from malware? You can start by studying typical infection gateways.
How to remove a virus from Mac
Just as with any disease, to doctor a virus you need to remove the infected part of your software — as simple as that.
1.Remove malware from Mac manually:
The Activity Monitor
If you know which app on your Mac is malicious, you’re half-way through the problem. First of all, you need to close the app and then root it out from the system processes.
- Open Activity Monitor (type its name in the Launchpad).
- Locate the problematic app in the Processes.
- Use [x] button to quit the process
![Free app removal mac firefox Free app removal mac firefox](/uploads/1/3/4/0/134052954/598161594.png)
Now go back to your Applications and move the app to the Trash bin. Immediately empty the Trash.
This method is simple, but for the best malware removal results, you’d have to invest a bit more time. There are still parts and pieces of the virus app scattered around your system folders. It’s a bit like killing a dragon that re-grows its head after you’ve chopped it off. To remove malware from your Mac completely, it’s better to use a powerful uninstaller.
Tip
Do a quick search for virus-infected .DMG files within your Downloads. The potential culprits could be recently downloaded files, especially media-related ones. Delete them and empty the Trash bin.
Do a quick search for virus-infected .DMG files within your Downloads. The potential culprits could be recently downloaded files, especially media-related ones. Delete them and empty the Trash bin.
2. Get rid of malware using CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X has a 10-year reputation of guarding Macs around the world. The app will scan your Mac for any vulnerabilities and offer immediate removal if it finds something suspicious. CleanMyMac detects thousands of malware threats, including viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and more. The app’s database is regularly updated to keep all those “-wares” away from your Mac.
Here’s how to remove malware from your Mac:
- Download CleanMyMac X — it’s free to download.
- Click Malware Removal tab.
- Click Scan.
- Click Remove.
- Done!
3. Remove Mac malware from your Login Items
Most adware or spyware will try to sneak inside the bootup process. Good news, you don’t have to be Kaspersky to prevent this.
- Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Choose Users & Groups section.
- Make sure if your username is highlighted.
- Open Login Items tab.
Now use the “—” sign to disable all the suspicious apps (like Mac Defenders) that you’ll find. Restart your Mac for the changes to take place.
4. Get rid of pop-up ads on Mac
Advertising pop-ups are browser-related, so whatever browser you are using, be prepared for a thorough cleanup. First off, don’t buy into whatever the ad is telling you. Some scary alerts would mention 343 viruses found on your Mac forcing you to immediately install a “Mac Defender” or “Mac Security” tool. Just ignore it and don’t click anywhere on the pop-up. Use [x] button and if it doesn’t close the ad, Ctrl + click the browser icon to quit the browser completely.
Tip
Hold the Shift key when starting a new Safari session. This way all your previous tabs (including the ad pop-up) will not be reopened.
Hold the Shift key when starting a new Safari session. This way all your previous tabs (including the ad pop-up) will not be reopened.
How to block pop-up ads in Safari
- Open Safari preferences (in the top menu).
- Go to the Security tab.
- Tick “Block pop-up windows”.
How to get rid of pop-ups in Chrome
- Open Chrome Settings (a three-dot icon)
- Click Privacy and security
- Go to Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects
- Locate the Popups tab and block them from appearing
Additionally, make sure your browser’s homepage is set to standard Google page or other trusted source.
5. Clean up extensions to remove adware from Mac
Apple lists several browser extensions as potentially malicious. The list includes:
- Amazon Shopping Assistant by Spigot Inc.
- Slick Savings by Spigot Inc.
- FlashMall
- Cinema-Plus
This is just to give you an idea of how different these adware extensions could be. But if you’re looking at how to remove malware from the Mac Safari browser, follow this path.
Remove extensions in Safari
- Go to Safari Preferences
- Choose the Extensions tab
- Select an extension and click Uninstall
Disable browser extensions in Chrome
And here’s how to remove malware from Mac Chrome. Open Chrome and click Window in the top menu. In the bottom of the list choose Extensions. This opens up the list of all your installed extensions. Now use a trash bin icon to remove the ones you suspect are adware viruses. Right after that, your Chrome experience should get much less distracting.
Just to be doubly sure, we recommend you to remove all the extensions you'll find. Later you can re-install each one separately.
TIP: How to remove Mac adware via Javascript
You can prevent some malware attacks from happening by disabling JavaScript in your browser. Although, it may break certain webpages, your browsing will get more secure and, likely, faster too.
To disable JavaScript in Safari
![Free app removal mac pro Free app removal mac pro](/uploads/1/3/4/0/134052954/348744329.jpg)
- Go to Safari Preferences > Security.
- Uncheck Enable JavaSript.
6. Launch Agents and Daemons: Where else to look
So far we’ve covered browser Extensions, Applications, and Login Items trying to remove malware from your Mac. But these are not the only locations where malicious agents may be hiding. Another type of system services that could be affected by malware are the so-called Launch Agents and Daemons — yes, the name does derive from the word demon. These are small helper programs that stealthily run in the background, like software updaters or automatic backups.
While Launch Agents and Daemons are two different entities, both can be infiltrated by malware. As it often happens, trojan apps would place their executable files within the Launch Agents folder. The result — the virus app launches automatically and potentially harms or steals your data.
7.How to remove daemons and agents from Mac startup
- Click Finder.
- Choose Go > Go to Folder.
- Type in:
/Library/LaunchDaemons
For Launch Agents, repeat the steps above, but this time search in 2 more locations:
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
Inside you’ll find a bunch of PLIST files and if some of them look suspicious to you, delete them. Sure, the names of these files may not be very telling, but if you already know the problematic app that you are after, knowing this folder may help you fully extinguish it.
Don’t forget to reboot your Mac — until you do, all these files are still in memory.
One more way to remove daemons, agents, and plug-ins
If the manual path described here sounds too complicated, you can again be rescued by CleanMyMac X. This app has a special tool to remove malware Launch Agents.
- Download CleanMyMac X (it’s free to download).
- Install the app.
- Click Optimization tab > Launch Agents
- Click Perform.
By the way, this app has a real-time anti-malware monitor. It monitors for any problematic apps that try to get into your Launch Agents. If it finds such, it will notify you and offer to remove the intruder.
If all else fails
Below a few more ideas to help you remove malware from Mac.
- Switch to a different user account and do a full system cleanup.
- Restore your Mac using Time Machine (to the point before it got infected).
- Update all your software, including the macOS.
How to protect Mac from malware
As a conclusion, we’ve prepared a few basic tips to minimize your chance of catching malware in 2020 and beyond. They are just as relatable for a PC computer.
Download ipad apps on mac.
Download ipad apps on mac.
- Closely read those dialogue boxes
- Get a reliable password manager app
- Browse anonymously
- Cover your webcam when possible
- Use passphrases instead of passwords
- Create an “emergency” bootable SD card for your Mac
OK, looks we’ve covered how to remove malware from Mac including both manual and software solutions. Hope your Mac stays virus-free and may you never click on those scary Mac alerts again.
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If you've ever tried to download music or videos from iTunes and transfer the files to devices and programs such as Android or VLC Media Player for playing, you should get failed and feel frustrated. This is because items that you purchase or rent from iTunes are all added DRM.
In fact, in addition to Apple Inc, DRM protection is so common that it is employed by many software companies such as Spotify, Amazon, Adobe, and more.
For people who want to remove DRM from protected files for backup, you don't have to be bothered about finding the right tool. In this in-depth review of DRM removal freeware and shareware, you will get to know a variety of free DRM removal software for music, movies, videos, audiobooks, and eBooks.
Note: DRM removal software is for private use only! Please do not distribute the converted DRM-free media files to others or use them for commercial purposes.
Part 1. Best DRM Removal Software for Music and Audiobook
#1 TuneFab Apple Music Converter for Mac & Windows (Shareware)
With TuneFab Apple Music Converter, breaking Apple's FairPlay DRM is actually workable. It is a professional tool assisting you to freely convert Apple Music to common audio formats such as MP3, M4A, AAC, WAV, and more. Its 16X conversion speed is also a highlight. Batch converting your favorite music doesn't have to be waiting for what feels like forever.
Furthermore, all the ID3 tags and metadata info of your Apple music can be preserved as well after conversion. You can even edit the ID3 tags, reset bitrate, and sample rate, and change artwork for your converted music. Besides, it also supports convert iTunes audiobook and Audible audiobook.
Pros & Cons of TuneFab Apple Music Converter
Pros
* Clean and straightforward UI
* Supports multiple output formats including MP3, AC3, AAC, M4A, M4R, AIFF, FLAC, AU, MKA, WAV
* Remove DRM from Apple Music songs, iTunes M4P songs, and iTunes/Audible audiobook
* Extract audio from iTunes M4V videos
* Convert Apple Music to high-quality MP3 for offline playing on Zune player, iPod shuffle, iPod nano, and more.
Cons
* For smooth conversion, songs in your Apple Music library are advised to be downloaded first.
* Free trial version only lets you save 3 minutes of each song.
* Clean and straightforward UI
* Supports multiple output formats including MP3, AC3, AAC, M4A, M4R, AIFF, FLAC, AU, MKA, WAV
* Remove DRM from Apple Music songs, iTunes M4P songs, and iTunes/Audible audiobook
* Extract audio from iTunes M4V videos
* Convert Apple Music to high-quality MP3 for offline playing on Zune player, iPod shuffle, iPod nano, and more.
Cons
* For smooth conversion, songs in your Apple Music library are advised to be downloaded first.
* Free trial version only lets you save 3 minutes of each song.
Further Reading:TuneFab Apple Music Converter Review: Is It Worth It?
#2 TuneFab Spotify Music Converter for Windows & Mac (Shareware)
Spotify is the world's leading music streaming service letting you play millions of songs and podcasts for free. Still, there are some limitations that may affect your experiences. For instance, with a free Spotify account, you can only use the skip songs function 6 times an hour and you cannot download songs for offline listening.
Even if you are a Spotify Premium user, the song you downloaded can only be played on devices installed with the Spotify app. And there is no option to download Spotify songs as MP3 files. To free you from these restrictions, TuneFab Spotify Music Converter comes to help. It is a powerful tool to convert Spotify tracks, Spotify playlists, albums, podcasts, audiobooks, and radio.
Pros & Cons of TuneFab Spotify Music Converter
Pros
* Useful Spotify DRM removal to convert Spotify Ogg songs to MP3
* Preserves Spotify songs to high-quality MP3, M4A, WAV, and FLAC (reach up to 320Kbps)
* Useful customization settings to adjust bitrates and sample and edit ID3 tags
* 5X conversion speed to download Spotify songs
Cons
* Cannot listen to Spotify songs while converting
* Free trial version only supports saving the first 3 minutes of each song
* Useful Spotify DRM removal to convert Spotify Ogg songs to MP3
* Preserves Spotify songs to high-quality MP3, M4A, WAV, and FLAC (reach up to 320Kbps)
* Useful customization settings to adjust bitrates and sample and edit ID3 tags
* 5X conversion speed to download Spotify songs
Cons
* Cannot listen to Spotify songs while converting
* Free trial version only supports saving the first 3 minutes of each song
Further Reading:TuneFab Spotify Music Converter Review: Is It Good & Safe?
Part 2. Top 4 DRM Removal Tools for Video
#1 TuneFab M4V Converter for Windows & Mac (Shareware)
Many people are poised to rent or buy movies from the iTunes store. However, the attached DRM of iTunes movies can be tricky for people to play iTunes movies outside iTunes player or Apple devices. To break the DRM restriction, TuneFab M4V Converter can professionally handle the job. It supports to strip DRM from iTunes movies, TV shows, and music videos and convert the DRM-ed iTunes M4V videos to a DRM-free MP4.
Also, you don't have to worry about the output quality after conversion. TuneFab can retain the original quality of your purchased or rented iTunes movies and provide a 1080p Full HD or 720p HD video. With 5 simple steps, you can get an unprotected iTunes movie and play it on multiple devices.
You May Also Like:How to Remove DRM from iTunes Movies?
Pros & Cons of TuneFab M4V Converter
Pros
* Simple, user-friendly
* Quick and efficient conversion speed
* Keeps Dolby 5.1 soundtracks (AC3 audio track), multilingual subtitles, closed captions and audio descriptions in the output MP4 according to your preferences
* Powerful DRM removal software for iTunes movies, TV shows, and music videos
Cons
* MP4 is the only output format
* Free-trial version only allows converting the first 5 minutes of each iTunes movie
* Simple, user-friendly
* Quick and efficient conversion speed
* Keeps Dolby 5.1 soundtracks (AC3 audio track), multilingual subtitles, closed captions and audio descriptions in the output MP4 according to your preferences
* Powerful DRM removal software for iTunes movies, TV shows, and music videos
Cons
* MP4 is the only output format
* Free-trial version only allows converting the first 5 minutes of each iTunes movie
#2 Requiem (Freeware)
If you are looking for a free and efficient iTunes DRM removal tool, Requiem should be an optimum choice. It is designed to remove DRM blocks and is able to decrypt most files within seconds or minutes. With Requiem, even songs, videos, and books you've bought and downloaded from iTunes are possible to be decrypted as DRM-free files. Moreover, the whole DRM removal process is lossless so that the original quality and all details of the source file will be well-preserved.
Pros & Cons of Requiem
Pros
* 100% Free to download and install
* Cracks DRM from audios, videos, and books without quality loss
* Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux
Cons
* iTunes is needed to be downgraded to 10.7 or a lower version to smoothly run Requiem
* Conversion speed is relatively slower than other DRM removal software
* No new update since version 4.1 has launched
* 100% Free to download and install
* Cracks DRM from audios, videos, and books without quality loss
* Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux
Cons
* iTunes is needed to be downgraded to 10.7 or a lower version to smoothly run Requiem
* Conversion speed is relatively slower than other DRM removal software
* No new update since version 4.1 has launched
#3 Get_iPlayer (Freeware)
While you may be practicing self-quarantine and isolation, BBC iPlayer actually is a valuable resource for entertainment. Many classic live performances from David Bowie, Adele, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Coldplay, and lots more have been launched on BBC iPlayer. But when you try to record these valuable shows with a screen recorder, the sad truth is, videos on BBC iPlayer are protected by DRM and cannot be viewed even if record your screen.
To get rid of the DRM, Get_iPlayer is an effective tool to help you save BBC iPlayer videos locally. It is a utility for downloading TV and radio programs from BBC iPlayer or BBC Sounds. Programs that were scheduled for broadcast on BBC linear services within the previous 30 days can be searched with this tool. With the program ID or URL, it helps you directly download videos from the site.
Pros & Cons of Get_iPlayer
Pros
* Runs on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, and Linux
* Allows multiple downloads at a time
* Indexing of most available BBC iPlayer/BBC Sounds programs from previous 30 days
* Can download metadata and grab subtitles
Cons
* Cannot download and search contents on BBC Three, Red Button, iPlayer Exclusive, or Podcast-only
* Runs on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, and Linux
* Allows multiple downloads at a time
* Indexing of most available BBC iPlayer/BBC Sounds programs from previous 30 days
* Can download metadata and grab subtitles
Cons
* Cannot download and search contents on BBC Three, Red Button, iPlayer Exclusive, or Podcast-only
#4 TuneFab DVD Ripper for Mac & Windows (Shareware)
Do you still collect DVDs? DVDs always contain some exclusive content that may be hard to find on the Internet. For people who want to digitalize DVD collections but get frustrated by the DRM encryption and region code problem, TuneFab DVD Ripper can make the job a piece of cake. You can copy your DVDs onto an external hard drive or upload to cloud storage service for backup much easier. Featured with GPU acceleration technologies, this ripper makes DVD ripper 6X faster while keeping the best quality.
Pros & Cons of TuneFab DVD Ripper
Pros
* Rips region-locked and encrypted DVDs
* Keeps original DVD image quality
* Decrypts DVD DRM and provides multiple output format options
* Excellent DVD editing tools
Cons
* Cannot rip Blu-rays
* Free-trial version doesn't support Intel App Acceleration
* Rips region-locked and encrypted DVDs
* Keeps original DVD image quality
* Decrypts DVD DRM and provides multiple output format options
* Excellent DVD editing tools
Cons
* Cannot rip Blu-rays
* Free-trial version doesn't support Intel App Acceleration
Part 3. Free DRM Removal Software for eBook
Free App Removal Mac Pro
#1 Calibre (Freeware)
Calibre is an outstanding and easy to use e-book manager. And speaking of the DRM removal tool for e-books, a little-known fact is that you can use Calibre to remove DRM. As it is free and open-source software, you can find many useful plugins on the Internet. Apprentice Alf's DeDRM plugin for Calibre is stunning. Books bought from platforms such as Amazon can be decrypted by this plugin. All pages can be kept easily and after the DRM removal process, you can watch ebooks on several devices and apps.
Pros & Cons of Calibre
Pros
* Completely FREE and open source
* Comprehensive e-book viewer and manager
* Can download news and magazines
* Useful editing features
Cons
* Could be complex for some users to use
* Sometimes the loading speed is slow
* Completely FREE and open source
* Comprehensive e-book viewer and manager
* Can download news and magazines
* Useful editing features
Cons
* Could be complex for some users to use
* Sometimes the loading speed is slow
#2 ePUBee (Free)
Reading e-books on various platforms is actually possible. ePUBee is a free DRM remover for e-books. It supports converting ebooks to PDF, MOBI, EPUB, and TXT. You can also batch-convert your e-books and the whole process won't take you long. Only a few clicks, you can convert and keep a DRM-free e-book without loss in quality.
Pros & Cons of ePUBee
Pros
* Simple to use
* Provides desktop app for Windows
* Supports batch conversion with high quality
Cons
* Limited customization features
* Does not support conversion in some formats
* Simple to use
* Provides desktop app for Windows
* Supports batch conversion with high quality
Cons
* Limited customization features
* Does not support conversion in some formats
Part 4. More Topic: How Does DRM Affect You?
Best Free App Remover Mac
DRM, which stands for digital rights management, should be no stranger to many people. It exists to protect content creators' works from being pirated. But in the real world, DRM technology can be annoying. DRM locks a file so that the person who purchased it can use it, but only on the specific device or app from that vendor.
If someday you consider switching to other platforms or apps, it can be a significant problem because the items you purchased before cannot work on the new platforms or apps. Somehow, DRM gradually becomes a tool for companies to keep you as their customer longer and make more money. For users who have cross-platform devices, it seems better to find a way to bypass the DRM so as to smoothly contents they've bought.
The DRM technology is out of good motives. Content creators put a lot of time and energy to make their works, and they don't want their works to be copied or stolen. Added DRM is understandable. But the technology indeed generates controversy and brings inconvenience to customers, as it can be a hassle for legitimate customers who would like to watch their purchased movies or read their purchased book on different devices.
Luckily, some artists are willing to label their works as DRM-free. But keep in mind that with or without DRM, it is illegal to share and distribute copyrighted works with others who haven't purchased them. Also, when using DRM removal tools, you should be aware that the converted DRM-free files are only for personal use.
Free App Removal Mac Chrome
Final Words
Here are the top picks of DRM removal software. Hopefully, you may know better about these tools and find out the one that suits your needs. DRM removal freeware such as Requiem and Get_iPlayer should deliver amazing lossless files. And some DRM removal shareware such as TuneFab Apple Music Converter and TuneFab Spotify Converter are also worth a try as they are simple to use while professionally handle the DRM removal job.