BinaryAccessibility Mac virus (Free Guide)

What is BinaryAccessibility Mac virus?

BinaryAccessibility is a threat to Mac users due to its persistence and ability to steal personal information

BinaryAccessibility is a type of malware that can infiltrate a Mac through fake Flash Player updates or when users try to install pirated software. Once it gets into the system, it quickly makes changes and installs various components to carry out its functions.

One of the most noticeable signs of this malware is a browser extension that attaches itself to Safari, MS Edge, Google Chrome, or other browsers. This extension features a distinctive magnifying glass icon. The primary aim of BinaryAccessibility is to flood the user with advertisements. To achieve this, it changes the browser's homepage and switches the search provider to something like Safe Finder.

As a result, users are bombarded with ads and sponsored links whenever they use their browsers, significantly increasing the number of advertisements they see. Additionally, users affected by the virus are at a higher risk of encountering phishing sites, which can lead to further malware infections. It is advisable to avoid entering any personal information in the browser while the BinaryAccessibility extension is active, as it can steal passwords, banking information, and other sensitive data.

Adload explained

BinaryAccessibility malware has been affecting Mac systems since 2017. It is notable for its widespread impact on users worldwide, despite being just one of many versions released over time. The creators of BinaryAccessibility are unknown, but its link to other major Mac malware, like the Shlayer Trojan, suggests it is part of a larger network of malicious activities.

The main goal of this virus is to make money by injecting unwanted advertisements into users' browsers. These ads often come from unreliable ad networks, displaying low-quality content. This not only annoys users but can also direct them to unsafe websites and questionable advertising material.

One particularly stealthy feature of BinaryAccessibility is its use of a man-in-the-middle proxy. This proxy reroutes internet traffic through servers controlled by cybercriminals. This redirection not only helps attackers make money through manipulated web traffic but also increases the risk of users encountering harmful online content.

Additionally, the malware gains extensive permissions during installation, allowing the associated browser extension to collect sensitive personal information. This data can include everything from credit card details to login credentials, putting users at significant risk of financial loss and identity theft.

BinaryAccessibility represents a complex threat to Mac users, involving:

• Irritating advertisements.
• Serious privacy breaches.
• Financial harm.

Its persistent presence, connections to a broader malware network, and variety of harmful functions highlight the critical threat it poses, requiring users to remain vigilant.

Removal methods explained

It is quite common to have multiple versions of the BinaryAccessibility virus installed on a device simultaneously. This means that several malicious files could be running in the background on your system. Generally, the more suspicious applications you have, the harder it is to remove the virus manually, even if only one version is active.

Therefore, it is recommended to run a system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes security software, as these apps can detect and remove the malware automatically. Another crucial step in removing malware is cleaning the affected web browsers. Leftover files might still track your data and cause other issues. If you prefer to remove BinaryAccessibility manually, you should follow the steps provided below.

Remove the main app and its components

The primary objective is to confirm the termination of background processes.

• Open the Applications folder and go to Utilities
• Double-click the Activity Monitor and shut down all the suspicious processes.
• From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
• In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
• Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)

Your next target is the Login Items and Profiles created by the virus. These components might ensure persistence if not removed properly:

• Go to Preferences and pick Accounts
• Click Login items and delete everything suspicious
• Next, pick System Preferences > Users & Groups
• Find Profiles and remove unwanted profiles from the list.

PLIST files, short for Properly list files, are small configuration files that store user settings and information about specific applications. To eliminate the virus, locate the corresponding PLIST files and remove them accordingly.

• 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 terminate all the related .plist files.

Don't forget to clean your browsers

If you don't remove cookies and other trackers from your browser, third parties can keep tracking you. Therefore, it is essential to ensure these items are deleted from your system once BinaryAccessibility adware is removed. The easiest way to do this is by using a powerful maintenance tool like FortectIntego, although you can also do it manually. If you haven't yet deleted the browser extension (when using manual removal), please make sure to do that first.

Safari

• Click Safari > Preferences…
• In the new window, pick Extensions.
• Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.

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 the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.

Clear cookies and other web data from your browsers:

Safari

• Click Safari > Clear History…
• From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
• Confirm with Clear History.

Google 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.

In some cases, resetting the browser is the best choice once all adware is deleted from your Mac:

Safari

• Click Safari > Preferences…
• Go to the Advanced tab.
• Tick the Show Develop menu in the menu bar.
• From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.

Google Chrome

• 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.