What is the iLivid virus?
Back when watching videos online wasn't as simple or fast as it is now, there were a series of legitimate and not-so-trustworthy video tools. iLivid is one of those, and some may still have this virus lingering on their Mac.
iLivid is known as a Potentially unwanted program (PUP) bundler installer. It's capable of installing a set of programs you don't want or need, including those that claim to be part of the application itself. In this case, it downloads web browser toolbars, an extension known as "Movies App," a torrent application, and a series of shortcuts that appear on a desktop: MyMac Backup (or PC for PC owners), Torch, Free Games, Free Movies, and a Sync Folder.
None of these are legitimate, and unless you want other infections and more serious viruses, you should avoid clicking on these icons. iLivid was not operational as a virus for very long, which means cybersecurity experts noted that not many people were infected. It didn't take long before antivirus companies implemented ways to defeat this virus.
However, experts are sure that it was a way to steal data, monitor web browser activity, including passwords — possibly to hijack financial information — and potentially take other files and data from a Mac. Removing it and every icon that came with it is the best way to stay safe.
How to remove the iLivid virus manually?
As a result of this being a "bundler" program, there are several applications to remove before you can be sure that your Mac is free from any infections.
Doing this manually can take at least 30 minutes or more. To start with, look for the following apps in the Applications and Library folders:
- iLivid
- iLivid Installer
- MyMac Backup
- Torch
- Free Games
- Free Movies
- Movies Search App for Chrome [and other browsers]
Search for the relevant folders for all of these, and then take them all to the Trash. Empty the Trash and to play it safe, restart your Mac. Shut it down for a while before starting it up again. These apps will appear to come from different publishers, such as Bandoo Media, Torch Media, JAC Search, and Media Inc. Don't assume that any of them are safe or legitimate app development companies.
Next, go to your web browsers and remove the Movies Search App and/or iLivid extensions and add-ons. Remove these and others that you don't recognize, such as any torrent downloader extensions that may have also come with them.
Go to the Settings section of each web browser — even if you only use one, it's always worth checking every browser on your Mac. Within Settings, go to where you find Extensions or Add-ons and then remove anything you don't recognize plus anything obvious, such as iLivid and the Movies Search App.
Delete these extensions, then restart your browser, and check that they're gone for good.
Manual removal takes time and can be risky, especially if you accidentally delete something that is needed to keep an app that you need running. Instead of going the manual route, there is another way to delete the iLivid virus.
How to remove the iLivid virus safely?
Use a dedicated malware removal tool like the one in CleanMyMac X. This app is an invaluable tool for improving your Mac's overall performance. It comes with several tools for removing junk files, getting rid of malware, and speeding up the system.
To remove iLivid from your system this way, do the following:
- Download CleanMyMac X and launch the app (free trial available).
- Navigate to Malware Removal.
- Click Scan.
- Hit Remove.
After that, your Mac will be operating at peak performance again. As good as new, without any viruses, adware, or browser hijackers.
