One of the most effective ways malware can get into your system is by posing as a useful tool that would resolve your problem. You see a lot of them when you browse the internet, with notifications popping up saying that your computer has been infected by malware and you need to download their app to remove the infection. Quite scary, right? If you don’t know how to differentiate a fake notification from a legitimate one, you’ll most likely download their app and get your computer infected with actual malware.
Mac Cleanup Pro falls into this category. It is a type of program known as PUP or potentially unwanted program. This type of program finds its way into your Mac without your permission and then try to convince you to use them. It uses false positives to urge you to buy the premium version of the app.
Vulnerable Mac users then buy the premium version of the app without realizing that their computer is not actually infected. In fact, the Mac Cleanup Pro is the malware that users should remove in the first place. However, PUPs such as the Mac Cleanup Pro can be quite tricky to remove because they have been given admin rights by the user. If you’re finding it hard to deal with this malicious app, you can use our removal guide which is outlined below. We’ll also discuss what makes this cleaning program dangerous and how you can avoid falling from the same trap.
What is Mac Cleanup Pro?
Mac Cleanup Pro is a PUP that poses as a system optimization tool to help your Mac perform better. It is related to another suspicious app called Advanced Mac Cleaner, which is also known as a PUP. At first glance, Mac Cleanup Pro looks like a handy and genuine tool. However, what makes this app dangerous is that it can infiltrate your system even without your consent. The Mac Cleaner Pro is usually distributed through deceptive marketing strategies, such as bundling or malvertising. It can also be spread using fake messages displayed on malicious websites.
Once the Mac Cleanup Pro has been installed on your Mac, it will scan the system and deliver a list of files and processes that should be removed to improve your computer’s performance. However, the free version Mac Cleaner Pro is supposedly only able to scan your system so you need to purchase the full version to be able to delete these “threats.” However, these scans are all fake. Mac Cleanup Pro delivers false scan results so you will be urged to buy the so-called full version and resolve the non-existent issues.
Is Mac Cleanup Pro a Virus?
Technically, Mac Cleanup Pro is not a virus since it does not replicate. However, you still need to remove it from your computer because it is considered a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and is often bundled with other PUPs. This program may not be the only malicious app that has infiltrated your computer. Your device might have also been infected with adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
These malicious apps often deliver intrusive ads, redirect you to malicious websites, and collect your private information.
Mac Cleanup Pro is similar to a couple of other malicious system optimizers, including MacOptimizer, Mac Mechanic, and others. In fact, most PUPs operate in a very similar manner. By providing seemingly useful services, apps like Mac Cleanup Pro gives the impression of legitimacy and deceive users into installing them. Once installed, most of these apps don’t provide the features they promised. This is because these programs have just one goal — to gain revenue for their developers or authors. Instead of giving any real value, they cause performance issues and pose a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.
How to Remove Mac Cleanup Pro?
Removing the Mac Cleanup Pro app can be a challenge because it is usually bundled with other PUPs. You need to remove all the components to make sure that they don’t come back to reinfect your computer.
Here are the steps to manually remove Mac Cleanup Pro from your Mac:
- In the Finder menu, click Go > Applications.
- Look for the app named Mac Cleanup Pro.
- Drag the icon to the Trash.
- Go back to the Go menu in Finder, then choose Go to Folder.
- Type this in the field: /users/shared
- In the Shared folder, select all the files and folders with Slimi in their name and drag them to the Trash.
- Go back to the Go to Folder, then navigate to these folders:
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/Application Support
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- Look for any suspicious files that haven added recently and drag them to the Trash.
Here are examples of some suspicious files: installmac.AppRemoval.plist, myppes.download.plist, mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist, kuklorest.update.plist, MplayerX, NicePlayer, com.myppes.net-preferences.plist, com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist, and other files that have the same format. - Check your menu bar for the Mac Cleanup Pro icon. Right-click on the icon and choose Close.
Mac Cleanup Pro also adds itself to the list of programs that are automatically loaded upon when the user logs in. Follow the steps below to remove it from the login items:
- Click the Apple menu, then navigate to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click your account, which is also known as Current User.
- Click on the Login Items tab.
- Look for Mac Cleanup Pro from the list.
- Highlight the entry, then click the Delete (-) button to remove it from the list.
Once you have completed these steps, run a reliable Mac cleaning software to sweep your system for leftover infected files. The Mac Cleanup Pro should now be completely removed from your Mac.
Tips to Avoid Mac Cleaner Pro and Other PUPs
The easiest way to prevent PUPs, like Mac Cleaner Pro, from getting into your Mac is by installing a robust anti-malware software on your computer. This would regularly scan your computer for malware and alert you when a malicious entity is trying to sneak into your system.
Aside from this, you also need to be vigilant when downloading something from the internet. Get your installer only from reputable sources. Don’t click on ads, notifications, or warnings that pop up on your browser. There’s a huge chance that they are fake and will only infect your computer with malware.
Most importantly, don’t trust everything you see online. Cybercriminals are getting more effecting at tricking people into installing their malware. So before you install anything, do your research.