HelperFraction – a dangerous virus that attacks macOS users
HelperFraction is a type of adware that falls under the Adload family, specifically targeting Mac devices. It commonly infiltrates systems when users are deceived into downloading a fraudulent Flash Player update or when they acquire software through unauthorized download sites. The infection is initiated as soon as the user authenticates the installation with their Apple ID.
Once HelperFraction is installed on a device, it typically sets up a browser extension in browsers like Safari. This extension is crucial for the adware's primary activities. For instance, it might alter the browser's default homepage and switch the search engine to a different provider, like Search Finder or Yahoo. This change is not just cosmetic; users will start experiencing a surge in advertisements during their browsing sessions. These ads are not only intrusive but often of low quality, and some may even pose security risks.
In addition to these disruptions, it has the capability to monitor personal user data. It might also install further iterations of Adload and, in certain instances, other types of harmful software. The presence of the virus on your Mac should be a cause for immediate concern, and steps should be taken to remove this virus promptly. Below, we provide the necessary guidance to eliminate the HelperFraction Mac virus from your system.
| Name | HelperFraction |
| Type | Mac virus, adware, browser hijacker |
| Malware family | Adload |
| Distribution | Third-party websites distributing pirated software, software bundles, fake Flash Player updates |
| Symptoms | Installs a new extension and application on the system; changes homepage and new tab of the browser; inserts ads and malicious links; tracks sensitive user data via extension |
| Removal | The easiest way to remove Mac malware is to perform a full system scan with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner security software. We also provide a manual guide below |
| System optimization | Once you've removed the virus and all its components, we also recommend scanning your device with FortectIntego to clean out your browsers and any other leftover or junk files |
Spreading techniques and avoidance tips
HelperFraction is a malware variant that specifically targets Mac users and is part of the broader Adload family. This virus is primarily spread through deceptive methods, including fake Flash Player updates and downloading software from unofficial sources.
A primary tactic for spreading HelperFraction involves exploiting the legacy of Flash Player, which, despite being discontinued by Adobe due to its unreliability and numerous vulnerabilities, still prompts users to download updates. Users are often misled by phishing websites that falsely prompt them to update Flash Player to access specific content. These prompts are deceptive and serve as a means to distribute malware. The malware may also be concealed in downloads labeled as “Installer.app,” a common disguise also used for distributing other malicious software like the Shlayer Trojan.
Another prevalent method for malware distribution is through the use of cracked or pirated software installers. These illegal channels are often used to circulate software that typically requires a purchase. In such cases, it can be bundled as a hidden component within the pirated software, installing itself on the user's device without their knowledge.
To safeguard against HelperFraction and other Adload variants on Macs, it is crucial for users to adhere to secure practices. This includes downloading software exclusively from trusted sources, avoiding suspicious links or unknown attachments, maintaining updated antivirus software, and practicing cautious browsing habits. These steps are essential for protecting Mac systems from a range of malware threats.
What malware can do to your system
HelperFraction, a variant within the Adload malware family, is known for its detrimental impact on Mac systems. Upon infecting a device, the software immediately starts manipulating browser settings, changing the homepage and default search engine. This alteration serves the purpose of ad monetization and can lead to the redirection of search queries, potentially resulting in harmful search outcomes.
More than just causing frustrating browser changes, the malware significantly compromises user privacy and security. It gains elevated permissions upon installation, enabling it to execute AppleScript and evade Mac's internal defenses like XProtect.
Such permissions allow the malware to track browser activities, potentially capturing sensitive data such as login credentials and financial information. This surveillance poses a substantial privacy risk, and users are advised to avoid sharing critical information on infected devices.
Additionally, the software often promotes dangerous websites. These sites could contain other harmful software or offer fake services. Clicking on these links is risky and might lead to further damage to the user's Mac. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and take immediate action against this threat.
HelperFraction removal instructions
SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes are two highly regarded anti-malware solutions that we suggest for effectively removing the HelperFraction virus and its associated malicious components. These security programs are adept at detecting and preventing malware execution, so it's important to heed any warnings they issue – false positives are unlikely.
For those considering manual removal of the malware, it's crucial to understand that HelperFraction comprises various components. If any component is left behind, there's a risk of the system being reinfected upon restart. Whether opting for manual or automatic removal, we advise following guidelines on clearing browser caches to hinder data tracking by external entities.
The virus is made up of several elements that might be dispersed throughout the system, often interconnected. Consequently, certain steps in the removal process might be challenging or impossible without first addressing specific parts. The initial focus should be on the main application:
- Open Applications folder
- Select Utilities
- Double-click Activity Monitor
- Here, look for suspicious processes related to adware and use the Force Quit command to shut them down
- Go back to the Applications folder
- Locate the malicious app and move it to Trash.
Upon infiltration, malware might establish new User profiles and Login items for persistence. This might be the reason why you can't get rid of the app or the extension.
- Go to Preferences and select Accounts
- Click Login items and delete everything suspicious
- Next, pick System Preferences > Users & Groups
- Find Profiles and remove unwanted profiles from the list.
Lastly, it's important to search for any remaining elements, specifically .plist files. These files, known as property list files, are used for configuration purposes and can potentially enhance the functionality of adware.
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and delete all the related .plist files.
Removing the leftovers
The extension is pivotal in the operations of malware like HelperFraction. It modifies key browser settings, such as the homepage, new tab page, and search engine, ensuring constant ad exposure for users. Moreover, this extension can be exploited to capture all information entered on websites, including sensitive data like passwords and credit card details.
If you've chosen an automatic method for malware removal, such as using FortectIntego, the extension should already be eradicated from your browser. In this case, there's no need for further action regarding the extension. However, if you've opted for manual removal, it's critical to verify that the extension has been completely removed from your browser.
Additionally, cleaning your web browsers of cached files and cookies is an important step in preventing data tracking and the potential return of redirects and ads. Using a tool like FortectIntego can facilitate a quick and efficient cleanup. For those preferring to handle this manually, the following steps are provided for guidance.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
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