How to remove UnitCache mac

UnitCache adware infects mac machines and is difficult to remove manually

UnitCache is a mac virus that has both adware and hijacking capabilities. It changes the most important settings in the browser, like the homepage and new tab address, implements a different search engine. Displays ads on the screen even when the browser is not in use. Besides these symptoms, it can also install other potentially unwanted programs or malware on its own, which is the most concerning.

The hijacker belongs to the Adload adware^[1] family, which specifically targets Mac systems. It is difficult to remove, and simply changing the browser settings back to the way they were will not work. The virus will keep messing up the settings until all of the files will be completely removed.

Even though adware is not considered to be malware,^[2] you can deem this one malicious because it scattered its files across the OS, making them hard to locate. Read our guide to learn how you can fix this problem until it causes more damage.

How are mac viruses distributed?

Usually, users do not download such apps willingly because they are useless. UnitCache disguises as a fake Flash Player update.^[3] While searching the web, users might have stumbled on a shady page that redirected them to the update prompt. This is a social engineering attack because people are tricked into thinking that they need software updates to access media content.

The window looks like a legitimate Flash Player installer to make it more believable, but after the installation process is done, you will not get an update but various files in different folders designed to perform unwanted tasks.

You should never listen to prompts on the internet asking you to download software because you are in danger or your current version is out of date. Flash Player was killed off in 2020 and was replaced by a better technology – HTML5.^[4] The program had many vulnerabilities that scammers and hackers constantly exploited.

If you see a message while browsing the internet which says that you need to update –  do not listen to it. They are always fake. Go to the official developer website or open the software itself. Never download supposed updates from third-party sources.

Remove UnitCache for good

Some of the files have a .plist extension, a normal settings' file, also known as a “properties file,” used by macOS applications. UnitCache specifically, imports com.UnitChache.service.plist. These types of files contain properties and configuration settings for various programs.

You should not perform the removal unless you know what you are doing and what .plist files you need to delete. The app uses various persistence techniques and drops many files across the system, making browser extension and application removal difficult.

To keep your mind at peace, we recommend using professional anti-malware tools SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, which can detect unwanted programs and eradicate them. You also do not know if the virus installed any additional malicious programs, so this is the safest way to ensure the system is clean.

If you still want to try and delete it manually, proceed with these steps:

• Open Applications folder
• Select Utilities
• Double-click Activity Monitor
• Here, look for suspicious processes related to adware and use Force Quit command to shut them down
• Go back to the Applications folder
• Find UnitCache in the list and move it to Trash.

If you are unable to shut down the related processes or can't move the app to Trash, you should look for malicious profiles and login items:

• 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.

There are likely to be more .plist files hiding in the following locations – delete them all:

• 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.

The manual elimination process might not always result in full virus removal. Therefore, we still strongly suggest you perform a scan with security software.

From now on, when installing something, always use the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation method. Go through all the steps and make sure the application is safe. If you see any suspicious additional files that seem unrelated, untick the boxes next to them.

Software bundling is often used to spread PUAs and malware, so you should be aware of that. Try avoiding third-party websites to download software from; they are untrustworthy and can contain many unwanted programs. Use official developer sites to keep yourself safe.

The dangers of having adware operating in the background

Adware is a PUP that generates revenue by displaying banners, pop-up ads, surveys, coupons, and other advertisements. They can be designed to open malicious websites that execute specific scripts and download more unwanted software.

Many scams are promoted on the internet, and the malicious program will send them straight to your screen. These can be fake announcements about prize winnings and warnings that use scare tactics. Users might come across a message that says they are in danger and need to install security software immediately to remove the infection.

Scammers may be doing this because they want your personal information that could be used to commit identity fraud, hijack online accounts, or sold to third parties.

Fix messed up browser settings

The virus ads a UnitCatche Search extension that changes multiple settings and makes the browser completely different.

Additionally, it can track browsing activity and collect browsing-related information like your IP address, the website you visit, your habits, purchases you make, and more. After the dangerous files are eliminated from your system, you should take care of your browsers. You can get rid of cookies and cache automatically with the help of FortectIntego. It will also fix any damaged files and system errors, so you should notice an improvement in the machine's performance.

If you prefer doing this yourself without additional help, here are the instructions. Steps for other browsers you will find at the bottom of this article.

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

Cookies and website data:

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

The simplest and quickest solution to this is completely resetting Safari:

• 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.