What is SourceManager
SourceManager is an adware application that operates primarily on macOS, designed to generate revenue through advertising. It belongs to the AdLoad malware family and is known for displaying intrusive ads, such as pop-ups and banners, across various interfaces, including web browsers and desktops. Users typically encounter this adware when downloading free software or from questionable websites, often bundled with other applications. Once installed, SourceManager can compromise user privacy by tracking browsing habits and collecting personal data, potentially leading to identity theft and financial loss. The presence of such software not only disrupts the user experience but also poses serious security risks. Removal of SourceManager requires diligent action, including the use of legitimate antivirus tools and manual cleanup of associated files and browser extensions. Vigilance during software installations and browsing can help prevent future infections by adware like SourceManager.
How SourceManager infects Mac computers
SourceManager typically infects Mac systems through bundled software installations, often packaged with legitimate applications obtained from untrustworthy sources such as freeware and file-sharing sites. Users inadvertently allow the installation of this adware by rushing through setup processes and selecting default or “Quick” installation options, which may obscure the inclusion of unwanted programs. In addition to software bundling, SourceManager may spread via deceptive pop-up ads and malicious websites that employ rogue advertising networks, tricking users into clicking on links that trigger downloads without their consent. Once installed, SourceManager can manipulate browser settings, track user data, and display intrusive advertisements, compromising both system performance and user privacy. Awareness and caution during software installations play crucial roles in preventing such infections, as users should always opt for “Custom” installation settings and thoroughly review any additional components before proceeding. By adopting these practices, users can significantly reduce the risk of succumbing to adware like SourceManager.
- Download SourceManager Removal Tool
- Remove SourceManager from Login Items
- Remove/Uninstall SourceManager from Applications
- Remove SourceManager from browsers
- Reset browser settings
- Remove SourceManager files and folders
- Block SourceManager ads and pop-ups
- How to protect from threats, like SourceManager
Download SourceManager Removal Tool
To remove SourceManager completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter for Mac. It can help you remove files, folders, and registry keys of SourceManager and uninstall hijackers, toolbars, and unwanted add-ons from the Safari browser. The trial version of SpyHunter for Mac offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
Alternative Removal Tool
To remove SourceManager completely, we recommend you to use CleanMyMac. It can help you remove files, folders, and registry keys of SourceManager and uninstall hijackers, toolbars, and unwanted add-ons from the Safari browser.
Remove SourceManager manually for free
Note: SourceManager sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:
- Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
- Choose your account (set up as Current User).
- Click Login Items tab.
- Find “SourceManager” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.
Note 2: SourceManager won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.
- Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
- Choose SourceManager in the list.
- Click Force Quit button.
Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full SourceManager removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of SourceManager installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.
Remove SourceManager from Applications
Remove SourceManager from Mac:
- In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
- SourceManager might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall SourceManager or SourceManager Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Otherwise, drag SourceManager from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
- Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.
Cannot uninstall SourceManager
If you can’t uninstall SourceManager using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of SourceManager. Follow instructions below:
- Download free AppCleaner.
- Drag SourceManager from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
- Choose files and folders you want to remove along with SourceManager.
- Click Delete button.
Remove SourceManager add-on from your browsers
Removing SourceManager 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 SourceManager extension from your browsers manually.
Safari:
- Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
- Click Extensions tab.
- Find SourceManager extension.
- Click Uninstall button to remove it.
Google Chrome:
- Start Google Chrome browser
- In address box type (or copy-paste)
chrome://extensions
. - Find SourceManager extension.
- Click the trash can icon to remove it.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
- In address box type (or copy-paste)
about:addons
. - Choose SourceManager extension.
- Click Disable or Remove button.
Reset browser settings
To finish SourceManager removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.
Reset Safari:
- Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
- Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
- Click Remove All Website Data button.
- In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
- Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
- Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
- In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
- Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
- Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.
Reset Google Chrome:
- Start Google Chrome browser
- In address box type (or copy-paste)
chrome://settings
. - Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
- Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
- Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.
Reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
- In address box type (or copy-paste)
about:support
. - Click Refresh Firefox… button.
- Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.
Remove following files and folders of SourceManager
~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.SourceManager.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SourceManager.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.SourceManager.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SourceManager.system.plist
Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote SourceManager
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 SourceManager in browsers.
How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like SourceManager
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.