SyncRemote Mac virus (Free Guide)

What is SyncRemote Mac virus?

SyncRemote is dangerous Mac virus from Adload malware family that installs additional variants of itself

SyncRemote is a type of malware that predominantly affects Mac devices, installed by users without their knowledge. It comes via pirated software downloads, fake app updates, or in similar devious ways. It can only be noticeable when users begin to spot some weird browser behavior or other interruptions.

SyncRemote secretly installs some suspicious browser extension that can hardly be removed manually. Such extensions may collect valuable data, including passwords, credit card numbers, and other private details, leaving the users exposed for data theft and privacy violations.

Another effect common from SyncRemote is the manipulation of browser settings: it changes your homepage, tab page, or your default search engine to redirect users to pages full of intrusive ads or sponsored links. Changes like this disrupt browsing and can take users to dangerous websites.

Apart from the violation of privacy, the damage that can be caused by SyncRemote is that it can install other malware as well without the knowledge of the user. The following sections explain how this threat works and enumerate ways to effectively remove it from your system.

Adload has been pestering Mac users for many years

For many years, Mac users believed their systems were safe from malware attacks. However, this belief has been challenged as cybercriminals increasingly target macOS due to its rising popularity. While Macs are less likely to be affected by severe malware like ransomware or rootkits, they are far from immune to adware. In fact, adware targeting macOS often displays more aggressive behavior compared to its Windows counterparts.

SyncRemote, a variant of a well-known adware family, is a prime example of this growing threat. Identified by its unique magnifying glass icon, often set against blue, green, or gray backgrounds, this adware infiltrates systems and immediately begins causing disruptions. Its effects vary, but they almost always involve significant changes to browser settings.

Once installed, SyncRemote can redirect browser traffic, change the default homepage, alter search providers, and inject intrusive ads into search results. While it may seem less threatening than other forms of malware, it can significantly disrupt browsing and be difficult to remove.

As the macOS user base continues to grow, Mac devices remain an attractive target for cybercriminals. To stay protected, users should adopt proactive measures, including installing trusted antivirus software, avoiding suspicious downloads, and regularly updating their operating systems and software to apply the latest security patches.

Choose automatic malware removal

Although not exceptionally sophisticated, adware variants like SyncRemote present a significant risk to Mac users. Their ability to evade macOS defenses stems from their persistent and adaptive nature, often outpacing Apple's regular security updates. This allows SyncRemote to remain active within a system for extended periods unless effectively removed.

For a quicker resolution, users can rely on third-party security tools such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. SyncRemote's infection involves creating multiple files, making manual removal particularly difficult and requiring advanced technical expertise. If even a single file is missed during the cleanup process, the adware may resurface and continue its disruptive activities.

When attempting manual removal, it’s especially important to address browser-related issues. Clearing cookies and cache data can help enhance privacy and minimize the impact of the adware. Alternatively, automated solutions like FortectIntego can be employed to detect and eliminate all unwanted components, providing a simpler and more user-friendly way to resolve the problem.

Delete the main app components

SyncRemote operates continuously in the background, carrying out its harmful activities without pause. As soon as the system starts up, the malware activates, ensuring it remains active and persistent. To effectively remove this malware from an infected system, it’s crucial to identify and stop these ongoing background processes to ensure a smooth and thorough cleanup.

• Open the Applications folder.
• Select Utilities.
• Double-click Activity Monitor.
• Look for any suspicious processes related to adware and use the Force Quit command to stop them.
• Return to the Applications folder.
• Find ExtendedService in the list and move it to the Trash.

Once SyncRemote infects a system, it may create new user profiles and login items, complicating the removal of the app or extension. To properly eliminate these components, follow the steps outlined below:

• 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.

To remove the leftover configuration data and Launch Daemons of the malware:

• 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.

Eliminate remaining browser components

The next step is to focus on your browsers. If you've already removed the virus using security software, you can move on to clearing the cache. However, if the virus is still present, you’ll need to first uninstall the related browser extension.

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.

If you are unable to delete the extension, we strongly recommend resetting the web 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.

Make sure you delete browser caches, as cookies might be used to track your information.

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 not successful in removing the browser extension, you could always choose to reset your browser:

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.

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.