Utility Parse, also referred to as UtilityParze, is a type of file program that usually attacks Mac computers and attaches itself to the browser installed on that computer. For this reason, Utility Parse may be categorized as a browser hijacker.
What is Utility Parse App?
The Utility Parse app comes bundled with different programs that you install on your computer. This is the most common way in which developers distribute malicious programs to their unsuspecting victims.
The only way to prevent such an infection where a “hidden” program comes embedded in software is to select the “Advanced or Custom Installation” setting. When you do that, you have the opportunity of noticing any malicious installation and leave out the optional installs.
What does Utility Parse do?
Utility Parse, just like any other browser hijacker, takes charge of the Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or any other browser, and modifies its settings. The most common sign of an infection is the generation of annoying ads that spam your screen. The ads come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Are you wondering what else Utility Parse does? It also changes the default search engine. Your browser’s homepage gets replaced with a site that pays to have its traffic count boosted. As a result, all your searches are redirected to that website.
The browser hijacker is also known to collect the victim’s browsing data without his/her consent. The program’s presence on your Mac ultimately starts taking a toll on its performance. As a result, the browser crashes and the system slows down.
How to Remove Utility Parse?
This program is usually considered a virus even though it doesn’t pose any real danger to the computer. However, this does not mean that Utility Parse is entirely safe as there is still an underlying risk of being exposed to unsafe content as part of the ads, or worse, still losing your data. This means that you need to get rid of the program sooner rather than later.
We have put together a guide featuring Utility Parse removal instructions that’ll help you remove the program from your macOS and web browser.
Method 1: Removing Utility Parse Manually
The manual malware removal process is quite lengthy and complex. It requires advanced computer skills, so if you can’t do it, seek professional help.
Follow the following steps to remove Utility Parse from your Mac computer:
- Click the “Finder” icon.
- Choose “Applications.”
- In the application folder, look for any unwanted apps like “MPlayerX” or “NicePlayer.”
- Drag the unwanted application to the Trash.
Follow the following steps to remove Utility Parse from your web browsers:
Removing Utility Parse from Safari
- Open Safari.
- Click “Preferences.”
- Choose “Extensions.”
- Find any recently installed extensions.
- Select “Uninstall.”
Removing Utility Parse from Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox.
- Open the main menu by clicking the three horizontal lines at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Click on “Add-ons.”
- Next, select the “extensions” tab.
- Find any recently-installed add-ons.
- Choose “Remove.”
Removing Utility Parse from Chrome
- Open Google Chrome.
- Open the main menu by clicking on the three horizontal lines on the top-right corner of the screen.
- Choose “More Tools.”
- Got to “Extensions.”
- Find any malicious-looking add-ons installed recently.
- Click the “Trash” button next to the add-ons.
If you follow all the given steps in the right order, your Mac computer should be free of infections.
It is also okay to remove all extensions as they aren’t really important for normal browser functioning. If you keep having problems with redirects and annoying ads, reset your browser back to default settings.
Method 2: Removing Utility Parse automatically
Utility Parse may reinstall itself if you do not completely eliminate its core files and other related unwanted folders.
If you feel that the above guide wasn’t helpful, we recommend that you download and install a robust anti-malware tool to remove all traces of Utility Parse files. This saves you hours of doing the manual removal of the browser hijacker.
After downloading and installing the software, scan your computer. If any threats are found, remove them immediately.
Conclusion
Utility Parse feeds its victims with intrusive and often, deceptive ads conceal underlying content about the hyperlinked websites. This browser hijacker is known to collect the victim’s personal information, and users risk becoming victims of identity theft. It’s advisable to remove the Utility Parse files from your Mac computer to avoid this and other problems. The malware-removal process is quite lengthy, and in the process, you might meddle with system files. You are strongly advised to be very careful and follow each instruction keenly to avoid damaging your system.