Mac Viruses

Search.scalableunit.com is an obtrusive search engine added by a potentially unwanted program classified as a browser hijacker. Programs of such type access browser settings to activate data-tracking abilities. They gather data entered during the session like passwords, IP-addresses, geolocations, and other sensitive information that could be valued around swindlers. Moreover, Search.scalableunit.com and similar clones redirect user's queries through legitimate services (e.g. Yahoo, Google, Bing, etc.). It means that browser hijackers generate no unique results that could outrace other engines. Therefore, it has to be removed from your Mac to prevent any confidential leaks and privacy threats.

A long time back in 2017, the world of Mac experienced a new threat - FindZip Ransomware. It was found disguised as cracks for Adobe Premiere Pro and Microsoft Office promoted on piracy websites. When you open the downloaded file, you will be presented with a transparent window. FindZip does not infect users by force. To launch the encryption, you have to click on the "Start" button. Then, the client starts imitating the cracking process, which will turn your desktop into an encrypted mess. All files are getting ciphered using the zip folders to contain files with the .crypt extension. Amazingly, the encryption keys created by FindZip are not stored on the hacker's server. Even after sending 0.25 BTC to purchase the decryption key, you will not receive any promised tools to recover the data. Interestingly, the virus acts uncertainly, it does not touch Time Machine backups and external devices as well. Even though FindZip used strong algorithms at that time, experts from Malwarebytes laboratory found a way to decrypt files without permanent loss.

Developed for Mac, Search.connectedtask.com is an intrusive search engine that hijacks your browser and changes your homepage. It may also add a couple of widgets and fast links to access the most popular platforms. Such apps are supposedly meant to improve the browsing experience by generating smarter results. Woefully, this is not true because Search.connectedtask.com channels search queries through legitimate Yahoo.com. These characteristics make Search.connectedtask.com categorized as a browser hijacker, which is a Potentially Unwanted Program designed to harvest financial gain on inexperienced users. As long as browser hijackers have data-tracking capabilities, they can record sensitive data and send it to third-parties figures. Search.connectedtask.com can tickle your nerves a little bit because it is hard to remove without professional help. You can follow our guide below to get rid of it without leftovers.

Search.operativeeng.com belongs to a group of fabricated search engines categorized as browser hijackers. These apps often appear on users' PCs unwillingly, because they download pirated or cracked software from third-parties resources. Browser hijackers apply new homepages changing the overall appearance to promote a better browsing experience. On the surface, users remain unsatisfied and end up dangerously spied by cybercriminals to collect sensitive data. Fake search engines like search.operativeeng.com generate no unique results. Instead, they simply copy the capabilities of legitimate software (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) to camouflage suspicious behavior. Therefore, search.operativeeng.com can make up a big threat to the privacy of each human on the web. Our responsibility is to show you how to delete such threats from your device and ensure you are safe during further experience.

Back in 2016, KeRanger became the very first ransomware that attacked Mac users. Most users were mind-blown when realized that their data is locked because they downloaded a legitimate BitTorrent Client called Transmission. At that time, cybercriminals managed to hack their website and ingrain a file-encrypting virus into a new version that was about to come out. Therefore, users inadvertently caught a malware attack by updating the previously installed application. Unfortunately, laboratories have not identified the appropriate measure to decrypt the inflicted data. Instead, victims offer a paid solution which is buying a decryption program. The transaction has to be made via the Tor browser by paying 1 BTC (around 407 at that time), now Bitcoin accounts for roughly $5,260. Extortionists also claim that they will answer any of your questions if you are really motivated to pay a ransom. You can also decrypt 1 file via the Tor page linked in the note. As mentioned, third-parties tools are currently unable to decipher the locked data.

Whilst most ransomware developers focus on infecting Windows-based systems, AgeLocker targets Mac and Linux, instead. The ransomware positions itself as a business-oriented virus that spreads on corporative companies, however, attacks on regular users happen as well. The encryption process looks pretty similar to Windows, the only difference is using different extensions and file formats. AgeLocker applies its personal command prompt to run the encryption process. Files that have been impacted by AgeLocker get assigned with personalized extensions based on user's names. It is impossible to identify which file was infected because of AgeLocker ciphers the original name and adds a random extension at the end. Some people reported that their files were added with the .sthd2 extension and the name of encrypted files starts with the age-encryption.org URL-address. Once all files get locked successfully, the virus sends a ransom note (security_audit_.eml) to the victim's e-mail.

B-ok.org (a.k.a. ZLibrary, B-ok.cc) is classified as a browser hijacker that alters your homepage adding an ostensibly better search engine. It stands for the largest ebook library with advanced search options to make the searching process more accurate and faster. Unfortunately, B-ok.org is implicated in shady activity - showing unwanted ads and random redirects during the browsing session. It does not necessarily mean that B-ok.org is a virus, but a browser hijacker that should be removed from your PC to prevent identity threats. This is because such applications can track browser history, passwords, and other data entered along with the usage. Get down the article below to find removal instructions as well as protection tips to avert further infiltrations.

Chrome Tools is classified as an adware program because it runs shady algorithms that overlay your browser with dubious ads. Such applications have nothing to say about improving the browsing experience. Their main purpose is to earn money by showing deceptive banners, ads, coupons, surveys, and other misleading content during the session. Moreover, adware programs have the ability to record personal data (IP-addresses, passwords, geolocations, browser history) that can be easily sold to third-parties organizations. Chrome Tools may, in fact, be dangerous and harm your privacy. This is why we recommend you delete it as soon as possible to prevent inadvertent leaks.