Remove “Ads by MacSmart” virus from Apple Mac OS X

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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MacSmart is an adware program for Apple Mac OS X, that displays pop-up ads and advertisements on web pages that you visit. These advertisements will be shown as boxes containing various coupons that are available, as underlined keywords, pop-up ads or advertising banners.
MacSmart Ads Mac OS X

What is MacSmart?

MacSmart is advertised as a program that displays coupons for sites you are visiting and competitive prices when you are viewing product pages at sites like Amazon. Though this may sound like a useful service, the MacSmart application can be intrusive and will display ads whether you want them to or not.
When installed, the MacSmart application will display advertising banners, pop-up advertisements and in-text ads, stating that they are brought to you by “MacSmart”.
These ads are aimed to promote the installation of additional questionable content including web browser toolbars, optimization utilities and other products, all so the MacSmart publisher can generate pay-per-click revenue.
When infected with MacSmart the common symptoms include:

  • Advertising banners are injected with the web pages that you are visiting.
  • Random web page text is turned into hyperlinks.
  • Browser popups appear which recommend fake updates or other software.
  • Other unwanted adware programs might get installed without the user’s knowledge.

How did got MacSmart on my computer?

MacSmart is an adware program that is commonly bundled with other free programs that you download off of the Internet.
Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed MacSmart without your knowledge. MacSmart is typically added when you install another free software that had bundled into their installation this adware program. Most commonly MacSmart is bundled within the installers from Cnet, Softonic or other similar custom third-party installers.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this MacSmart adware. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place.
It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

MacSmart Overview:

  • MacSmart will inject pop-up ads, advertising banners and in-text ads within your web browser
  • Adware detected in the MacSmart program
  • Integrates into the web browser via the MacSmart browser extension
  • Typically distributed through a pay-per-install bundle or with third-party software (example: CNET installer, Softonic Installer, InstallRex installer and many more)
  • MacSmart has a poor reputation within the MalwareTips Community

How to remove “Ads by MacSmart” from Mac OS X (Removal Guide)

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove “MacSmart” virus from your computer, and any other adware program that may have been installed during the setup process.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
STEP 1: Uninstall MacSmart application from your MAC OS X
STEP 2: Remove “Ads by MacSmart” from Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox
STEP 3: Remove “Ads by MacSmart” adware with avast! Free Antivirus for Mac

STEP 1: Uninstall MacSmart application from your MAC OS X

In this first step, we will search and remove all the MacSmart files from your machine.

  1. Click on the “Go” button, then select “Applications”.
    Applications on Mac OS X
  2. When the Application folder will open, search for the MacSmart application. Either drag the application icon to the Trash, or right-click and select “Move to Trash”.
    Delete MacSmart application
If your having issues finding the MacSmart malicious application, you can perform a scan with the “Adware Removal Tool (Download Link)” from The Safe Mac.

STEP 2: Remove “Ads by MacSmart” from Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox

If you are still experiencing issues with “Ads by MacSmart” virus within Safari, Firefox or Chrome, we will need to remove the MacSmart browser extension. This step needs to be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.

Remove “Ads by MacSmart” from Safari

  1. From the Safari menu, select “Preferences”.
    Safari Mac OS X Preferences
  2. In the Safari Preferences window, click the “Extensions” tab. Find the “MacSmart” plugin, then click on the “Uninstall” button.
    Delete MacSmart extension

Remove “Ads by MacSmart” from Google Chrome

  1. In Chrome adress bar, type chrome://extensions
    Mac OS X Chrome extensions
  2. On the Extensions window, remove the MacSmart and any other unknown extensions by clicking the trash can [Image: Remove an extension from Chrome] icon.
    MacSmart Chrome Mac OS X extension

Remove “Ads by MacSmart” from Firefox

  1. In the upper-right corner of the Firefox window, click the Firefox menu button ([Image: Firefox Menu button]), then click “Add-ons“.
  2. Select the Extensions tab, then remove MacSmart and any other unknown extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
    MacSmart extension Mac OS X Firefox

STEP 3: Remove “Ads by MacSmart” adware with avast! Free Antivirus for Mac

Avast Antivirus is a a powerful antivirus for Mac which will detect and remove the MacSmart adware from your Apple Mac OS X.

  1. You can download avast! Free Antivirus for Mac utility from the below link.
    AVAST FREE ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “avast! Free Antivirus”)
  2. After downloading avast Antivirus for Mac, double-click the downloaded file ‘avast_free_antivirus_mac_setup.dmg‘.
  3. In the new window double-click on ‘avast!.pkg’ file and follow the instructions on the displayed window ( read AVAST End User License Agreement, click ‘Agree‘, and then click ‘Install’ to complete the installation then press ‘Close’.
  4. When the Avast Antivirus will start, perform a “Full System Scan” to remove MacSmart adware from your Mac OS X.
    Avast for Mac Scan
  5. Avast will remove MacSmart virus from Apple Mac OS X, and furthermore Avast Antivirus will protect your Mac OS X from future infection.
Your Apple Mac OS X should now be free of any adware infection. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove adware from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.
How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

6 thoughts on “Remove “Ads by MacSmart” virus from Apple Mac OS X”

  3. Thank you so much, I had no idea how to even start removing this virus from my Mac – your advice worked perfectly.

  4. YOU FIXED IT! I LOVE YOU WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING! I was literally in tears because I already had adblock plus and was nearly ready to reset everything to factory, which would’ve sucked majorly to say the least. What horrible villainous leech would invent such a terrible ad system as “MacSmart” with the sole intention of making Mac owners tear their hair out like this?

  6. Thanks for your post, it helped me completely, there are no traces of adware, simply step number one run in its entirety. Not found in applications but use the link there if you left if I did not find (Adware Removal Tool) and finally found it and was a vidx or xvid, something like that.

    I was very worried about this, I was afraid for my computer :(((

    I attached before and after!

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