How to Remove MediaDownloader from Mac

George Herman

IT Security Expert

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Some infections like this MediaDownloader virus can regenerate themselves. There is no better way to detect, remediate and prevent malware infection, than to use a professional anti-malware software like SpyHunter. One Application that is capable of solving all MAC problems.

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What is MediaDownloader

MediaDownloader falls under the adware umbrella. This malicious software is responsible for the numerous annoying advertisements that are displayed on your browser every day. It’s capable of infiltrating so efficiently into the web browser, that it could modify any settings it wants, ultimately causing the app to become unresponsive to your actions. But what’s even worse – MediaDownloader may use tracking technologies to obtain your personal data and share it with its creators.

How it is distributed

Adware like MediaDownloader is mostly known to spread via freeware and software bundles. However, it may also get distributed through torrent files, email attachments, fake update messages and infected ads. In order to avoid the installation of nasty software like this adware, we highly recommend to not trust random pop-ups that urge you to update a program via a link. Instead, you should check with the program itself, by looking for the update section/button in it. We also advise against downloading unfamiliar apps from shady sources. Visit only pages that you’re familiar with, or are official and trust-worthy. But most importantly, make sure to opt out of any additional software during an installation, since it is highly likely that’s just malware in disguise. Be careful and diligent, since such bonus content can easily be missed.

How it operates

There are some symptoms that can give you an indication that your Mac has been infected by adware. It is possible for the ads to have a phrase like ‘Ads by MediaDownloader‘, ‘Brought to you by MediaDownloader‘ or similar. As a consequence of the heavy advertisement attacks, your browser will start to crash on a regular basis, and the internet speed will decrease. You need to be aware that the parasite will steal your private web data and use it to produce targeted adverts that you’ll be most likely to click on. For each click that you make, the adware will get paid. But browser history and search results may not be the only information that this malicious software has obtained. By staying idle and allowing MediaDownloader to remain on your Mac, you risk exposing sensitive information like passwords, IP addresses and even bank account credentials. The only way you can regain control over your browser and protect your privacy is by getting rid of this nasty adware as quickly as possible.

Staying safe from MediaDownloader

Apart from having a reliable AV software installed on your Mac, there are other things you can do to ensure your device’s safety. We highly recommend you to:

• Pay close attention when you install third-party software, especially torrent files, so you don’t install shady additional applications that you don’t want. In most cases, that’s how malicious parasites are able to infect your computer;
• Read any Terms and Conditions you see, so you know exactly what you agree to. The last thing you want is to unknowingly give permission to a nasty virus to infiltrate your Mac;
• Follow links that lead to trustworthy sites only;
• It is best to visit only reliable and official websites. You never know what dangers might lurk behind an unfamiliar site;
• No matter how attractive an ad is, if you are not familiar with the website it redirects to, it might be best to steer clear of it and not click;
• Always check the sender’s email address before opening a message. If it states that it’s from an official company, compare the email with the one given in their official page. If there is no match, delete the message, since it most likely is fake and has malicious aims;
• Don’t open email attachments from unknown senders. More often than not, such files carry infections that can seriously damage your computer.

How to manually remove MediaDownloader adware from Mac

If you’ve had the misfortune of getting your Mac infected with the MediaDownloader adware, the instructions below can help you to remove it manually. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to Utilities. You can do that by using the ⇧+⌘+U key combination, or by going to Finder and choosing Utilities from the Go main menu at the top.

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it.

3. A list will be displayed. Find any processes that seem suspicious to you and use the ‘Force Quit‘ option to quit them completely.

4. Open Finder. Click on the Go button from the main menu at the top, and choose Applications. An alternative way is to use the ⇧+⌘+A key combination.

5. Look for any suspicious applications, especially ones with a name similar to MediaDownloader. If any are found, right-click on them and select the ‘Move to Trash‘ option.

6. Remove any related left-over files by going to Finder‘s search bar and typing the name of the app you want to remove. Make sure to modify the two drop down menus above to ‘System Files‘ and ‘Are Included‘, so that any hidden files are visible for you to remove. Once you find the files you want to remove, simply drag them to Trash.

7. All that’s left for you to do is remove any related extensions to MediaDownloader from your Mac browsers.

For Mozilla Firefox extensions:

• Open the Firefox browser and from the ‘burger’ menu in the top right corner of the window select ‘Add-ons’.
• Select any suspicious extensions that may be related to the virus and click ‘Remove’.

For Google Chrome extensions:

• Open the Chrome browser and select Tools > Extensions from the menu (the three dots in the top right corner of the browser window).
• Locate any suspicious extensions that may be related to the virus and remove them.

For Safari extensions:

• Open the Safari browser. From the Safari menu choose Preferences. Select Extensions from the options at the top.
• Find any extensions you think are related to the virus, select them and click ‘Uninstall’. A new window will show up asking for confirmation. Click Uninstall again, for the extension to get deleted permanently from your browser.