NavigateSystem Mac virus (Free Instructions)

NavigateSystem Mac virus Removal Guide

What is NavigateSystem Mac virus?

NavigateSystem is a malicious Mac application that compromises the device and steals personal data

NavigateSystemNavigateSystem is a malicious Mac application that is typically spread via fake Flash Player updates or cracked software

NavigateSystem is a dangerous software that one might find on their device all of a sudden. It belongs to the notorious Mac malware group known as Adload – it has been spreading around for several years now and several hundred of various were released over that period. This or any other version of the malware can easily be identified by the icon it uses – magnifying glass on a teal, green or blue background.

The deception of the NavigateSystem virus starts with its distribution, as most people usually download it via fake updates for Flash Player or similar software – phishing[1] messages are used to convince them to download it. Alternatively, some people might install it on websites that distribute illegal, pirated applications and video game installers.

Note that regardless of which method is used to install the app, users always have to enter their AppleID in order for the installation to be successful. Thus, if you do not enter your credentials, the infection would not be initiated in the first place.

NavigateSystem capabilities and traits

Adload is generally considered a malicious software strain responsible for the release of ProcessRate, SmartTask, OriginInput, and many other versions over the past few years. While many security vendors mark it as malware due to its operation traits, it can also be easily classified as adware, as all the actions are made for the sake of receiving revenue from ads – be it clicks or a simple display of it on various websites.

Therefore, as soon as the virus is installed, users can quickly notice changes made to their Safari, Chrome, or any other browser – a browser extension would change the homepage immediately and redirect all searches to an alternative provider (Yahoo or Safe Finder are commonly used, although a variety of other providers can be used).

With the help of browser hijacking, users are then forced to see promotional links and ads that are shown at the top of search results every time they are trying to use the search function. Additionally, people might also encounter unexpected browser redirects to other malicious places and an additional layer of ads everywhere they go.

To make matters worse, the NavigateSystem extension is usually installed with elevated permission, which allows it to harvest personal user information – basically, everything that is typed when using the browser. In such a way, user passwords, account logins, credit card details, and other information might be stolen by cybercriminals. Therefore, we recommend not entering any personal data while having the virus installed on the system.

NavigateSystem virusThe virus can be stopped by powerful security software

Malware also installs several components that make it quite difficult to remove. With the help of the built-in AppleScript, it inserts its own processes, PLIST files, new profiles, and other elements. Below we provide a comprehensive guide on how to successfully eliminate the infection and make sure that all its components are terminated permanently.

name NavigateSystem
Type Mac virus, adware, browser hijacker
Family AdLoad
Distribution Third-party domains distributing pirated software, software bundles, fake Flash Player updates
Symptoms Installs a browser extension that can not be deleted easily; changes homepage/new tab to Safe Finder or something else; redirects lead to potentially malicious or scam sites, promotes suspicious software, etc.
Risks Identity theft, installation of other malicious/unwanted software, financial losses
Elimination The easiest way to eliminate unwarned and malicious software on Macs is by performing a full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes security software. Alternatively, you can attempt to terminate the infection manually
Other tips For best performance and system remediation, we recommend using FortectIntego; also, cleaning web browser caches is highly advised after the elimination of malware for better privacy and security

Removal of NavigateSystem

Increased persistence is reached by malware with the help of many components that are populated upon installation. With the help of AppleScript use, the virus is capable of bypassing the protection of built-in security elements such as XProtect or Gatekeeper. Therefore, employing third-party software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, grants an extra layer of protection and ensures that no malicious changes are made.

Nonetheless, since the infection has already spread, it needs to be removed for better security and personal safety. If not removed, malware can result in the installation of additional malicious programs or potentially unwanted applications (it is known to promote malicious apps like Advanced Mac Cleaner), disclosure of sensitive details/identity theft, and many other negative results.

As we already mentioned, security software is great for stopping infection in the first place – it can also be used to remove malware as well. Therefore, we strongly suggest you start by performing a full system scan with anti-malware tools and then proceed with the steps below (which might not be needed).

Eliminate the main application

You should disable malware's background processes and then get 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 ExtendedService in the list and move it to Trash.Uninstall from Mac 1

Remove Profiles and Login items

Login items and Profiles can also be used to increase persistence. Hence, if you see any of the unknown ones, remove them as follows:

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

Plist files elimination

The PLIST files are small config files, also known as “Properly list.” They hold various user settings and hold information about certain applications. In order to remove the virus, you have to find the related PLIST 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 dubious entries and then delete them.
  • Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.Uninstall from Mac 2

Take care of your browser

The browser plays a vital role in the virus' operation, as it is installed along with the main app on the system with elevated permissions. Therefore, in order to eliminate the browser hijacking component from the device, you should find and remove the unwanted extension from Safari.

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

Next, you should make sure that your browser caches are properly removed. Once installed, adware and other malicious applications insert various items into browsers, which are stored locally. For example, cookies[2] might be used for further data collection, even though the main app has already been removed. Thus, it is recommended to clean web browsers thoroughly from time to time, and doing so after malware removal is a must. You can either employ FortectIntego for a quick solution or follow the manual steps below:

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

If you were unable to remove the NavigateSystem extension in a normal way, reset Safari as follows:

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

Note: if you are using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or MS Edge, check the instructions at the bottom of this article.

Distribution and avoidance

While most potentially unwanted applications – a category NavigateSystem might be assigned to – are usually spread in deceptive methods, this malware strain uses more aggressive methods.

First of all, Mac users are commonly misled by fake Flash Player updates – this plugin was used many years prior, so users associate its logo with something legitimate by default. Most people don't realize that the plugin has been long replaced by more modern technologies (such as HTML 5) and is no longer required to play multimedia. In fact, its developer Adobe has discontinued the support of Flash in early 2021,[3] so all requests to install it are fake.

Another very popular tactic used by NavigateSystem for distribution is software bundles downloaded from insecure third-party sources. To be more precise, we are talking about torrents, cracks, and similar websites that are commonly used to download software that is otherwise licensed.

Pirated software distribution websites are overall very dangerous, as they could spread malware in various ways as soon as users visit these sites. For example, it is easier for cybercriminals to by ad space there to boobytrap them with malicious scripts, which would install malware automatically on machines where vulnerable software is present (making sure that all applications and the operating system are up-to-date would remove this risk).

In other cases, users might download and install malicious software from torrents themselves, all while believing that they are installing a cracked app. Instead, they can be tricked into installing Adload versions or other malicious software. Therefore, we strongly recommend you stay away from these places and instead only install legitimate software. Employing powerful security software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes greatly reduces the chances of being infected in the future.

Offer
do it now!
Download
Fortect Happiness
Guarantee
Download
Intego Happiness
Guarantee
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 NavigateSystem Mac virus. Follow these steps

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. 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

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data. Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings. Reset Chrome 2
ChromeFirefoxEdge

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

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click on Uninstall at the bottom. Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear. Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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. Reset MS Edge

If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose Advanced MS Edge reset 2

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now. Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset. Reset Chromium Edge

How to prevent from getting adware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.

Contact Linas Kiguolis
About the company Esolutions

References