How to remove Multiverze (Mac)

What is Multiverze

Multiverze is a sophisticated piece of malware that specifically targets macOS systems, aiming to infiltrate and compromise user data. By exploiting social engineering tactics, often through social media spam, it stealthily gains access to sensitive information such as internet cookies and login credentials. Once embedded in the system, Multiverze operates silently, making it difficult for users to detect its presence without specialized security tools. The effects of this malware are profound, potentially leading to severe privacy breaches, financial loss, and even identity theft due to its capability to exfiltrate sensitive data. Its ability to remain undetected allows cybercriminals to continuously harvest valuable information, putting affected users at considerable risk. To safeguard against such threats, it is crucial for users to maintain updated antivirus software and practice caution with unsolicited communications and downloads. Regular system scans and using legitimate security solutions can help in early detection and removal, preventing the malware from causing extensive harm.

How Multiverze infected your system

The Multiverze malware predominantly infiltrates Mac computers through sophisticated social engineering tactics, leveraging platforms like social media to lure unsuspecting users. Cyber criminals often utilize compromised accounts to send direct messages, masquerading as reputable entities to gain the user’s trust. These messages frequently propose collaborations or partnerships, enticing the recipient to engage further. As part of the deception, victims are sent links, purportedly to legitimate online tools, which actually lead to downloading the malicious Multiverze installer. Beyond social media spam, Multiverze may also be distributed through phishing emails, malicious online ads, and untrustworthy download sources, including freeware sites and peer-to-peer networks. By disguising itself as legitimate software, Multiverze effectively bypasses the user’s initial defenses, embedding itself within the system to execute its malicious activities undetected.

Remove Multiverze from macOS manually

Removing Multiverze from macOS requires a systematic approach that involves a combination of built-in tools, safe computing practices, and sometimes third-party software. Here’s a comprehensive guide to identifying and removing viruses from your Mac, ensuring your system’s integrity and security.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Disconnect your Mac from the Internet. This prevents the virus from sending data to its creator or downloading more malicious software. Turn off Wi-Fi and unplug any Ethernet cables.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

2. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode. Safe Mode performs a check of your startup disk and restricts certain software from automatically loading or opening.
   • For Intel-based Macs: Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
   • For Apple Silicon Macs: Turn off your Mac, press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window, select your startup disk, press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Use Built-in Tools for Malware Removal

3. Use Finder to identify and remove suspicious applications.
   • Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, and look for any applications you don’t recognize or didn’t intentionally download.
   • Right-click the suspicious application and select Move to Trash, then empty the Trash.
4. Use macOS built-in malware removal tool (MRT). macOS automatically runs MRT in the background, but you can manually run a malware scan by updating your software.
   • Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
   • Install any available updates, as these often include the latest security improvements and malware definitions.

Step 4: Check and remove Multiverze from Login Items

Note: Multiverze may set 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 suspicious entries. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove them.

Step 5: Check and remove Multiverze Malicious Device Profile

Important update: Multiverze can install malicious Device Profile called AdminPrefs or similarly on MacOS, that won’t allow users to make changes to browser search engine and homepage settings. Follow instructions below to remove this profile.

Remove Multiverze profile

1. Go to System Preferences and click on Profiles.
2. In the list of profiles on the left side, choose AdminPrefs or other profile and click on “-” button to remove it.
3. In your case it can be named differently, in this case remove all visible profiles. Check the picture below to see how it looks like.

Step 6: Reset Your Web Browsers

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.

Step 7: Restore from a Backup

8. If the issue persists, consider restoring your Mac from a backup.
   • Use Time Machine or another backup system to restore your Mac to a state before it was infected.
   • Ensure the backup you choose predates the malware infection.

Prevention Tips

• Keep your macOS updated. Regularly check for and install macOS updates to ensure you have the latest security patches.
• Be cautious with downloads and attachments. Only download software from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or official websites.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
• Consider enabling the macOS firewall in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
• Regularly back up your Mac using Time Machine or another backup solution to ensure you can recover your system if needed.

Following these steps should help you remove most viruses from your Mac. If you continue to experience issues, consider seeking help from Apple Support or a professional cybersecurity service.