WirelessZipServer Mac virus (Free Instructions)

What is WirelessZipServer Mac virus?

WirelessZipServer is a malicious application designed for Mac operating systems

WirelessZipServer is a malicious Mac application that spreads via Flash Player installers

WirelessZipServer is one of many Adload malware variants that recently emerged in cyberspace. The rogue application spreads via malicious installers downloaded from software cracks and peer-to-peer networks, although some users might be tricked into installing it after encountering a fake Flash Player update (one of the most popular methods of adware distribution on Mac platforms).

Once on the system, the WirelessZipServer virus would enable a browser extension under the same name. It would hijack^[1] Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or any other compatible web browser. While some users might notice changes done to their homepages (for example, it might be set to Safe Finder or similar), others would only see strange redirects to Yahoo or other search providers when browsing the web.

Besides filling users' browsers with intrusive pop-ups, banners, deals, offers, and other intrusive advertisements, the extension also secretly gathers personal user information, including their passwords for various accounts or even banking details. This can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We recommend removing the WirelessZipServer virus from your Mac as soon as possible to avoid major damage.

Adload: a tough nut to crack

Adload is a very broad Mac malware family that has been active since at least 2017. Since then, hundreds of versions have been released, many of which we have covered on 2-spyware, including VantageReservation, PortalUltra, EmpireFocus, HybridSpace, and many others.

The numerous versions are released with little difference in terms of their distribution o operation, although cybercriminals behind it are constantly improving the evasion mechanisms that make it rather difficult for users to remove these infections. In fact, once users grant access to the virus, it immediately employs AppleScript to prevent its removal by Gatekeeper and XProtect^[2] – the built-in Mac security systems.

With the help of this integration, WirelessZipServer can then install the extension and other components with elevated privileges on the system, resulting in it being able to harvest personal data or even download additional payloads without users knowing anything about it. That's why it's not uncommon for the affected people to find several Adload variants on their systems simultaneously.

WirelessZipServer is detected by many third-party security solutions

How to remove malware from your Mac effectively

When speaking of WirelessZipServer removal, it is important to understand that this application is not your ordinary one – moving the main app into Trash would never suffice, and reinfection is almost guaranteed. Thanks to its capability of running with elevated privileges, the malware drops several files into the system, creates new profiles and login items, etc.

Due to these traits, we highly recommend ignoring the manual removal steps and instead relying on powerful security solutions, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Since third-party anti-malware is not affected by the virus, it can successfully find and remove all the malicious components automatically, all at once.

If you still want to proceed with manual steps, we provide all the necessary steps below. Keep in mind that using the manual method does not guarantee that malware removal will be successful; additional payloads could also be running in the background without you realizing it.

Remove the main application after stopping malicious processes

For the malware not to interfere with its first removal steps, you should open Activity Monitor and shut down all related processes running in the background. Here's how:

• 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.

Delete malware-related components

Your next task is to remove all the virus-related Login items and new Profiles that could be used by it.

• 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.

Remove leftover files

Small configuration files known as PLIST can hold various settings information. They might prevent the virus from being removed properly.

• 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.

Take care of your web browser

Without cleaning cookies^[3] and other web data, your browser could remain vulnerable and prone to collecting your personal information. Therefore, it is important to make sure that these tiny files are also cleaned from your device right after adware elimination is finished.

The simplest and quickest way of doing this is by employing an advanced maintenance utility FortectIntego – it can locate all junk files on your system and delete them for you. Also, it can clean all your browser cookies at once without you having to bother doing it manually. Before doing this, you should first make sure that the WirelessZipServer extension is removed.

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

If you can't eliminate the extension, you should simply reset 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.

If you successfully removed the extension, you should clean browser history and other leftover settings as follows:

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

If you use Chrome or Firefox as your main browser, check for the instructions below.