New malware is popping up all the time and finding sneakier ways to do it. Many are considered to be PUAs or potentially unwanted applications. They use deceptive ads designed to trick Mac users into installing these apps on their computers. While it may promise to improve the performance of your Mac and protect it from viruses, Mac Purifier is actually a scam that is designed to steal your personal information and cause harm to your computer.

In this article, I’ll explain what the Mac Purifier malware is, how it can get installed on your Mac, and what you can do to protect yourself from this and other malicious software.

Name

Mac Purifier

CategoryPotentially unwanted application
Symptoms

Browser redirects and unwanted pop-ups

Distribution typeDeceptive ads and software bundling
System damage

Degraded computer performance, internet tracking, and loss of private information

Removal

CleanMyMac X

What is Mac Purifier?

Mac Purifier is a type of malware that is disguised as a legitimate app or utility that promises to improve the performance of your Mac and protect it from viruses and other threats. However, once installed, Mac Purifier will actually cause harm to your computer by stealing your personal information and slowing down its performance.

How can Mac Purifier get installed on my Mac?

Mac Purifier can end up on your computer in several different ways. The most common is the use of deceptive pop-up ads that try to trick you. When one of these ads appears on the screen, it will tell you that your Mac is infected with a virus. But when you click on the link in the ad, it automatically starts downloading and installing Mac Purifier.

Another common way Mac Purifier can get on your computer is through software bundling. That’s when you install an app — usually, freeware — and another app is installed along with it. This is why it’s so important to only download things from sources you trust.

How to protect yourself from Mac Purifier and other malware

After everything is said and done, the fear of accidentally installing Mac Purifier shouldn’t keep you from using your computer. You just need to keep a few best practices in mind to protect your Mac from malware threats:

  • Always be cautious when you download and install an app.
  • Never trust an ad or pop-up that tells you your Mac is infected with a virus.
  • Avoid clicking links or downloading anything from unknown sources.

If you’re not already using an antivirus app on your Mac, you should be. Regularly scanning your Mac will keep it safe and alert you if an infected file needs your attention.

How to get rid of the Mac Purifier virus manually

The good news is you don’t necessarily need to pay for expensive antimalware apps to help you get rid of Mac Purifier. You can do it manually by following these steps:

  1. Open a new Finder window.
  2. Go to the Applications folder and find the Mac Purifier app.
  3. Drag the Mac Purifier app to the Trash.
  4. Open the Trash.
  5. Right-click on Mac Purifier and select Delete Immediately.

Once you have deleted the Mac Purifier app, you will need to check for any remaining files or folders associated with the app by following these steps:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Click Go > Go to Folder.
  3. Type “~/Library/Application Support” and press Return.
  4. In the Application Support folder, look for any files or folders with the name Mac Purifier.
  5. If you find any, move them to the Trash and then empty the Trash to permanently delete them.

How to remove Mac Purifier malware automatically with CleanMyMac X

On the other hand, there is a quicker and easier way to get rid of Mac Purifier, along with any other malware that might be on your Mac. You can use a removal tool like CleanMyMac X. It’s an app that’s designed to optimize your Mac’s performance, and one of the ways it does that is by removing malware. Here’s how easy it is to use:

  1. Download and install CleanMyMac X on your Mac.
  2. Open CleanMyMac X
  3. Click on the Malware Removal tab.
  4. Click on the Scan button.
  5. CleanMyMac looking for malware
  6. After the scan, CleanMyMac X will show you a list of malware it found on your Mac.
  7. Make sure the Mac Purifier malware is selected, and then click the Remove button.

CleanMyMac X will automatically delete the Mac Purifier app and any associated files, so you don’t have to worry about doing it manually. This saves you time and ensures that all traces of the Mac Purifier malware are removed from your Mac.

After reading this article, I hope you’re feeling more optimistic about getting rid of Mac Purifier from your computer. You know what options you have. You can manually remove it by following the steps outlined above. Or, thankfully, you can use CleanMyMac X to quickly and easily delete the Mac Purifier app and any associated files. It’s important to regularly scan your Mac for malware and remove any potential threats to keep it running smoothly and protect your personal data.