LegendDeploy Mac virus (Free Guide)

What is LegendDeploy Mac virus?

LegendDeploy is a Mac virus that can seriously compromise your computer security

LegendDeploy is a malicious program designed for Macs

LegendDeploy is malicious software that attacks Mac systems. It belongs to a large family of Adload viruses, which have been known in the cybercrime landscape for at least five years. While the main goal of malware is to function as adware^[1] and expose users to ads, there are plenty of other characteristics that are considered malicious.

The LegendDeploy virus commonly attaches itself to Mac operating systems via fake Flash Player installers and illegal software bundles that are downloaded from malicious websites. Once installed, the virus will typically change your browser settings (for example, it may change your homepage and search provider to an alternative such as Safe Finder) without you knowing and expose you to sponsored links and intrusive ads.

The browser extension is designed to acquire various personal information, including login passwords or credit card information, creating serious privacy and security risks. Malware is especially challenging to remove since it employs numerous persistence strategies to stay on the system for as long as possible. How to effectively eliminate the infection and prevent its recurrence is explained below.

Adload versions

LegendDeploy is descended from Adload, one of the most well-known malware families out there. After being discovered in the wild for the first time in 2017, it has subsequently released hundreds more variations, including MainFrameSelect, ActiveLink, PowerAnalytics, and many others.

The operation and distribution of the strain are largely unchanged despite some slight alterations between versions. One of the simplest ways to spot the infection is that it constantly utilizes the magnifying glass icon for both the core application and the browser extension.

Although LegendDeploy is classified as adware, its effects on the system go much beyond just displaying advertising; in fact, many of its characteristics are regarded as harmful.

LegendDeploy spreads via fake Flash Player updates or cracked software installers

Capabilities of the virus

Adload infects a large number of Apple devices because it employs relatively straightforward distribution and operating methods that are highly effective for Mac machines. You should never download software from websites that distribute pirated software, and you should be alert of fraudulent Flash Player upgrades to prevent infection.

The virus's primary objectives – showing adverts and making pay-per-click^[2] revenue – are supported by a wide range of other features. For instance, the virus can fully evade being detected by built-in Mac protections like XProtext and Gatekeeper by using AppleScript.^[3]

The browser extension component of the virus also aids in carrying out its operations; in addition to reading users' passwords and credit card information, it also has the ability to insert advertising while they browse the web. Of course, this functionality is quite risky and could lead to identity theft and other massive problems.

Quick and easy LegendDeploy removal

Unlike normal apps, you likely won't be able to remove the browser extension or application easily. Thanks to its elevated permissions on your system, the app drops several malicious files and creates new profiles and login items. Therefore, we recommend getting rid of the LegendDeploy virus automatically with Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner security software so you don't have to bother with the steps below. Regardless of which method of elimination you choose, we still recommend cleaning your web browser caches^[2] thoroughly to prevent issues in the future.

Once installed, the malware runs background processes to fulfill its tasks. To remove the main application, you should first shit down these processes via the Activity Monitor:

• 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.

Login items are responsible for booting the malicious app as soon as the computer starts up, while Profiles tackle different account settings. These malware-related components should be deleted as follows:

• 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.

Finally, you should get rid of Launch Daemons and other configuration data left by malware. Proceed with the following:

• 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.

If you choose to eliminate the infection manually, the extension may still remain on your browser and continue gathering data and performing other malicious tasks. Thus, start by removing it:

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

If you successfully deleted the extension through the conventional methods, you should additionally clear the browser caches to prevent the tracking of any additional data. Running a FortectIntego maintenance utility is the easiest way to accomplish this and get rid of all junk. Another choice is to adhere to these guidelines:

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

If you were unable to uninstall the extension after trying all of the suggested methods, you could always reset the browser:

• 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.

If you are using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, find the malware removal details below.