NetDivision Mac virus (Free Instructions)

What is NetDivision Mac virus?

NetDivision is a malicious Mac application that shows intrusive ads and steals personal data

NetDivision is a malicious app you should get rid of ASAP

NetDivision is a potentially malicious application that you might find running on your Mac unexpectedly due to its deceptive distribution techniques. Fake Flash Player updates and illegal software installers are commonly used to spread versions of Adload – a malware family from which the app comes.

Once on the system, NetDivision division drops malicious files on the system, alters its operation, and protects itself from automatic removal with the help of elevated permissions it acquires upon installation. This way, users can have a much more difficult time when trying to remove it.

The most visible change, which makes users realize that they have been infected, is alternative search settings that are set automatically on Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser. The browser extension component delivers alternative search results filled with ads, employs alternative providers such as Yahoo or Safe Finder, and secretly tracks user data, including account passwords or other personal information.

We recommend removing NetDivision as soon as possible, as it can cause serious privacy and security issues. In this article, we will explain how to do just that and provide some tips on how to avoid being infected with Adload variants (or other Mac malware) in the future.

Virus distribution methods

Adload versions spread in ways that are not legitimate – they are also often used by cybercriminals to distribute ransomware, Trojans, and other malware. This is one of the reasons why NetDivision can be classified as malware – users never install it intentionally but are rather tricked into doing so. Below we discuss the main delivery methods of the virus and also provide tips on how to avoid being infected.

Pirated application installers

Many pirated software distributors' websites have been already shut down, although malicious actors constantly find ways to bypass restrictions and remain active. Users flock to these sites to receive applications for free, which is an illegal thing to do in the first place.

Peer-to-peer^[1] networks and similar pirated software distribution websites often bundle software with malicious apps, such as NetDivision or other malware. It might also be disguised under different names on these high-risk sites, so we recommend staying away from them in the first place.

Fake Flash Player updates

Misleading or fake advertisements have been used by crooks for a long time now – Adobe Flash Player is especially notorious in that regard. Not only is the plugin extremely vulnerable^[2] to breaches and cyberattacks, but its prevalence also ensures that most people recognize its name. Users are often told that they need to update or install Flash Player in order to view multimedia content on a site.

NetDivision spreads via fake Flash Player updates and pirated software installers

The truth is that Adobe, its creator, has long discontinued this software, and all requests to install it are fake. When dealing with fake Flash Player updates, you should simply leave the page displaying the fake pop-up and never interact with its contents.

NetDivision removal

Mac malware became more prevalent over the years as crooks saw potential in the ever-increasing demand for Apple devices. Once branded as impenetrable by malicious software, Macs are now one of the most targeted operating systems by adware^[3] – and this problem won't go away any time soon.

Since Mac malware authors implement measures to bypass the built-in defenses such as XProtect or Gatekeeper (which NetDivision and other virus variants do as well), it is recommended to employ third-party security solutions, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, to add an extra layer of security. Anti-malware tools can also help you remove the infection easily and very quickly. Otherwise, you can proceed with the manual steps below.

1. Delete the application

Before you delete the main app, you should make sure that no background processes would interfere with it.

• 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.

2. Remove Login items and Profiles

Upon infiltration, the virus might establish new User profiles and Login items for persistence. This might be the reason why you can't get rid of the app or the extension.

• 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.

3. Remove the extension

You can now try to remove the extension component of the NetDivision virus. Keep in mind that this process might still fail, as the extension might be grayed out.

Safari

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

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.

Delete leftover files

Leftover files known as PLIST hold various important configuration settings and might hold a virtual role in malware's operation. Remove them as follows:

• 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.

You should also clean your web browsers to remove various trackers and other caches to ensure proper NetDivision removal. You can employ FortectIntego for this job, or you can follow the manual steps below:

Safari

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

Google 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.

If you were unable to remove malware components within your web browser, you could simply reset it as we explain below. Your bookmarks and other preferences will not get lost as long as you remember your account details. Proceed with the following to reset your browser:

Safari

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

Google Chrome

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.

You can find the instructions for MS Edge and Mozilla Firefox below.