How to remove IdentityStack (Mac)

What is IdentityStack

IdentityStack refers to a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that primarily targets Mac users by hijacking their web browsers. This adware is designed to manipulate browser settings, changing the default homepage and search engine to redirect users to unwanted sites, often resulting in searches via IdentityStack Search. By injecting advertisements into websites visited, IdentityStack generates revenue through misleading ads and clicks. Typically bundled with free software downloads, many users unknowingly install IdentityStack along with other applications. Symptoms of an infection include unwanted pop-ups, frequent redirects, and the presence of the IdentityStack extension in the browser. To safeguard your device, it is essential to recognize such threats early and utilize effective removal strategies.

How IdentityStack infects Mac computers

IdentityStack typically infects Mac computers through deceptive software bundling, where it is packaged alongside legitimate applications that users download from the internet. When users opt for quick or default installation settings, they often unknowingly agree to install additional programs like IdentityStack. This adware can also be introduced via malicious advertisements or pop-ups that encourage users to click on links promising software updates or free downloads. Once installed, IdentityStack modifies browser settings, changing the default homepage and search engine, which can lead to further unwanted redirects and intrusive advertisements. Users may not realize they have been compromised until they notice unusual browser behavior or persistent ads. To avoid such infections, it is crucial to carefully review installation options and remain cautious of suspicious links and pop-ups during online activities.

1. Download IdentityStack Removal Tool
2. Remove IdentityStack from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall IdentityStack from Applications
4. Remove IdentityStack from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove IdentityStack files and folders
7. Block IdentityStack ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like IdentityStack

Remove IdentityStack manually for free

Note: IdentityStack sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “IdentityStack” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: IdentityStack won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose IdentityStack in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full IdentityStack removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of IdentityStack installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove IdentityStack from Applications

Remove IdentityStack from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. IdentityStack might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall IdentityStack or IdentityStack Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag IdentityStack from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall IdentityStack

If you can’t uninstall IdentityStack using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of IdentityStack. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag IdentityStack from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with IdentityStack.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove IdentityStack add-on from your browsers

Removing IdentityStack from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the IdentityStack extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find IdentityStack extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find IdentityStack extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose IdentityStack extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish IdentityStack removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of IdentityStack


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.IdentityStack.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.IdentityStack.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.IdentityStack.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.IdentityStack.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote IdentityStack

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting IdentityStack in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like IdentityStack

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac