ExpandedSystem Mac virus (Free Instructions)

ExpandedSystem Mac virus Removal Guide

What is ExpandedSystem Mac virus?

ExpandedSystem is a malicious application that avoids the built-in Mac defenses

ExpandedSystemExpandedSystem is a Mac virus that inserts ads into your browsers

ExpandedSystem is a malicious Mac app created by cybercriminals, which you could get infected with when downloading malware-laced pirated software installers or dealing with fake Flash Player updates. Once in the system, the virus alters a variety of aspects in order to operate without being disturbed. It also manages to completely bypass Apple's Xprotect during the entry, as users provide their credentials to allow these changes to take place.

Probably the very first sign people would notice is the changed behavior of Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or another used browser. The installed ExpandedSystem extension might change the homepage and new tab settings so that users would not be able to use their default settings. Alternative search providers and search results can also be set, which would bring an array of issues, including data tracking from various third parties and excessive sponsored links during sessions.

To make matters worse, the ExpandedSystem virus is capable of spying on users' browsers and harvesting their private information typed in, for example, account passwords or credit card details. It is also not uncommon for malware to be able to install additional payloads, including Adload other versions like CentralGeo, VibeProfile, or HerculesLookup.

Name ExpandedSystem
Type Mac virus, adware, browser hijacker
Malware family Adload
Distribution Third-party websites distributing pirated software, software bundles, fake Flash Player updates
Symptoms A new extension is installed on the browser, along with an application of the same name; search and browsing settings altered to an alternative search provider; new profiles and login items set up on the account; intrusive ads and redirects
Removal You can employ powerful security software to check your system for infections, for example, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. The manual PUA uninstall guide is also available below
System optimization You should remove caches and other web data to prevent data tracking – use the FortectIntego repair and maintenance tool

Spreading mechanisms

Adload variants are known to be extremely successful, and one of the main reasons why lies within their distribution methods. There are two main ways how one could infect the system with the ExpandedSystem virus (or any other malware variant), and these are fake Flash Player Updates and pirated software installers.

Whenever you encounter a message online that claims that your system needs to install Flash Player, it is fake, and you should never interact with it. Flash has been discontinued and is no longer supported by its developer. Besides, the technology behind it is flawed, and alternatives have existed for years now, e.g., HTML 5.[1]

Alternatively, you may install malware along with illegal software. Torrents and alike are known to be used by cybercriminals to spread the most dangerous malware out there, including ransomware.[2] Therefore, we recommend staying away from such installers in the first place.

ExpandedSystem virusExpandedSystem is commonly spread via fake Flash Player updates

How to get rid of the ExpandedSystem virus?

It is evident that you should not keep a malicious application installed on your system – the more you delay the ExpandedSystem virus removal, the more security and privacy issues it could bring to you.

It is important to note that malware uses the built-in AppleScript in order to completely avoid the default defenses provided by Apple, so it may be difficult to remove unless you employ a third-party solution such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. If you prefer the manual removal method, please follow the instructions provided below and make sure you clean your browser caches.

Remove the main app

Removal of Mac malware could be difficult if background processes are still running. Thus, access the Activity Monitor and shut them down before getting rid of the main app.

  • 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
  • Find the malicious app in the list and move it to Trash.Uninstall from Mac 1

Get rid of Login Items and unwanted Profiles

Remove suspicious Profiles and Login Items from your system as follows:

  • 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.

Remove leftover files

The PLIST files are small config files, also known as “Properly list.” They hold various user settings and hold information about certain applications. To remove the infection, you have to find these files and remove them.

  • Select Go > Go to Folder.
  • Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  • In the Application Support folder, look for any suspicious entries and then delete them.
  • Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and delete all the related .plist files.Uninstall from Mac 2

Get rid of the extension

ExpandedSystem virus drops hundreds of files upon infiltration and consists of two main components – the main app and the extension, which is attached to all the installed browsers on the system. With the help of the extension, users' web browsing sessions are significantly altered and can be considered to be a privacy hazard. Here's the permission for the extension that can be viewed by accessing browser settings:

Permissions for “ExpandedSystem”:

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

Therefore, if you chose the manual elimination process, you should remove the browser extension as well. If this process still fails after performing the other steps shown above, we recommend you instead reset your browser.

Safari

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

Reset 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.Reset Safari

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.Remove extensions from Chrome

Reset 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.Reset Chrome 2

Take care of your privacy

The next step is to ensure that all trackers are deleted from the device. Adware and malware insert cookies[3] and other tracking elements on your machine locally. If not removed, they might remain on the system for years, so it is vital to clean browser caches from time to time.

The easiest way to clean your browsers and the system from leftover files is by employing the FortectIntego maintenance utility. A manual solution is also available – follow these steps:

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

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.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

In case Mozilla Firefox is the browser you are using, please follow the instructions below.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of ExpandedSystem Mac virus. Follow these steps

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove. Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear. Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information. Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox. Reset Firefox 2

How to prevent from getting adware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

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