BrowserQuest Mac virus (Free Guide)

What is BrowserQuest Mac virus?

BrowserQuest is a malicious Mac application that can cause harm to your system

BrowserQuest is a form of malware that emerged in early June 2024. As part of the Adload malware family, it spreads through fake Flash Player updates or cracked software installers, tricking users into granting it permission to make system changes. Once it gains access, the malware quickly infiltrates the device by installing multiple components, effectively bypassing Mac's built-in defenses.

After installation, BrowserQuest attaches a browser extension to the user's browser. This extension alters the browser's behavior, leading to an increase in ads, scam sites, and other malicious content. Users may also notice changes to their homepage and search provider settings.

In addition to its persistence, BrowserQuest is capable of collecting personal user information through the web browser, potentially including account credentials and credit card details. This malware poses significant security and privacy risks, and it can lead to further system infections if not addressed promptly.

Distribution techniques explained

There are two primary ways BrowserQuest spreads: through fake Flash Player updates and pirated software installers. It is crucial to understand that pirating software is illegal and can lead to various malware infections. Websites that distribute pirated applications often have poor security measures, with some sites specifically designed to spread malware and malicious scripts.

To prevent this type of infiltration, avoid visiting illegal software distribution websites altogether. Malicious software can also be bundled with freeware and other unauthorized software, and you might unknowingly agree to install it if you do not pay close attention during the installation process.

Flash Player is infamous for being a vulnerable plugin. Although Adobe discontinued it at the end of 2020, many users remember it as a primary tool for playing multimedia content online. However, its technology is outdated, and its functionality is now integrated into modern browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. If you encounter requests to install Flash Player, be aware that they are fake and likely a trap to spread malware.

How the virus operates

BrowserQuest has been active for many years, with its developers continuously working on new versions. Since its inception, hundreds of variants have emerged, each using a specific naming pattern that combines a few predetermined words, typically two or three.

You may notice symptoms of the BrowserQuest infection when you open your web browser, as the BrowserQuest extension will be added to it. This can lead to changes in your homepage and search provider settings. For instance, previous versions have been known to redirect users to unreliable search providers.

Additionally, BrowserQuest installs a man-in-the-middle proxy, allowing your internet traffic to be rerouted through cybercriminals' servers. This method not only monetizes traffic but also exposes you to potentially dangerous websites and ads.

Even more concerning is BrowserQuest's ability to track user information through the installed browser add-on. Checking the app's details via your browser settings might show the following:

Permissions for “BrowserQuest”:

Webpage contents
Can read sensitive information from webpages, including passwords, phone numbers, and credit cards on: all pages

Browsing History
Can see when you visit: all pages

With these permissions, BrowserQuest poses a serious threat to your privacy. The stolen details could lead to financial losses or even identity theft. It is crucial to remove this malware from your system as soon as possible to safeguard your information.

Dangers of malware

BrowserQuest is a type of Mac malware that has been active since at least 2017, with hundreds of variants being released over time. Several viruses have originated from this strain, including LauncherSync, MegabyteExecut, and ActiveSource, among others.

Although BrowserQuest is primarily considered adware due to its main objective, its numerous malicious components also categorize it as a Trojan or simply malware. It possesses browser-hijacking capabilities that enable it to perform its tasks on an infected system. The primary characteristics of BrowserQuest include:

• Producing alternative search results filled with sponsored links and ads.
• Altering browser settings, such as changing the homepage and new tab address.
• Collecting sensitive user information, including passwords.
• Implementing persistence mechanisms to avoid removal.
• Displaying intrusive ads on most websites visited by users.
• Increasing the likelihood of users encountering phishing or malware-infected websites.

These traits make BrowserQuest a significant threat, as it compromises user privacy and security while making browsing experiences unpleasant and unsafe.

Choose automatic virus removal

It is quite common for multiple versions of Adload to be installed simultaneously, so you might notice other malicious apps running on your device. Having more suspicious applications in the background indicates the presence of numerous malicious files on your system. Generally, the virus is challenging to remove manually, even if only one version is active on the device.

Therefore, it is advisable to run a system scan using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes security software, as these tools are not affected by the malware and will automatically remove it for you. Another crucial step in malware removal is cleaning the infected web browsers, as leftover files could still lead to data tracking and other issues. If you prefer to remove BrowserQuest manually, you should follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1. Remove the main program

The virus is made up of several interconnected components spread throughout the system. Because of this complexity, some steps below may not be feasible without first removing specific elements. Let's begin with the main application.

• Open Applications folder
• Select Utilities
• Double-click Activity Monitor
• Here, look for suspicious processes and use the Force Quit command to shut them down
• Go back to the Applications folder
• Find the malicious entry and place it in Trash.

Step 2. Get rid of persistence components

Removing unwanted profiles and Login Items is essential when attempting to eliminate malware from a Mac.

• 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.

Step 3. Delete leftover files

PLIST files, also known as “Property list” files, are small configuration files that contain various user settings and information about specific applications. To remove the virus, you need to locate and delete the associated PLIST files.

• 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.

Step 4. Take care of the browsers

If you choose manual removal, it's important to pay special attention to browsers. Clearing cookies and other data from browser caches is essential to improve privacy. Alternatively, you can use automated solutions like FortectIntego to eliminate unwanted components without manual intervention, providing a simpler and less technical method for resolving the issue. If you would rather perform these steps yourself, please follow the comprehensive guide below.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.