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Secure Mac Tuneup Unwanted Application (Mac)

Also Known As: Secure Mac Tuneup potentially unwanted application
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is Secure Mac Tuneup?

Similar to Advanced Mac Tuneup and many others, Secure Mac Tuneup is a dubious application presented as a high-end system optimization tool.

This application may seem legitimate and useful, however, since developers promote it using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", Secure Mac Tuneup often infiltrates systems without consent and is thus categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).

Secure Mac Tuneup unwanted application

A main feature of Secure Mac Tuneup is malware removal. After performing a full system scan, users are presented with a list containing hundreds of threats/viruses that must be eliminated immediately. The 'free version' of Secure Mac Tuneup is supposedly incapable of removing malware and users are encouraged to purchase the 'full version'.

It is currently unknown whether the Secure Mac Tuneup application can be trusted. There are hundreds of potentially unwanted applications that deliver fake search results simply to trick users into purchasing so-called full versions. Therefore, we advise you to not pay for Secure Mac Tuneup's full version.

If you suspect that your computer might be infected, we advise you to scan it with another reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite, such as Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS. As mentioned, Secure Mac Tuneup is distributed using the "bundling" method.

In most cases, "bundling" is used to proliferate a number of potentially unwanted applications (such as adware and browser hijackers) at once.

Therefore, if Secure Mac Tuneup has infiltrated your system without consent, there is a high probability that it came together with a number of other rogue apps that deliver intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive information, and cause unwanted redirects. In this case, you should eliminate all dubious applications/browser plug-ins.

Threat Summary:
Name Secure Mac Tuneup potentially unwanted application
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

The Internet is full of rogue applications, all of which share many similarities. Most offer "useful features" (e.g., file conversion, Internet performance increase, system optimization, etc.), however, these false claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.

The only purpose of all potentially unwanted programs is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, potentially unwanted applications deliver intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive information, cause unwanted redirects, and, in some cases, promote in-app purchases.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Secure Mac Tuneup is free for anyone to download on its official website, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, this potentially unwanted program often infiltrates systems without users’ permission.

Developers proliferate Secure Mac Tuneup using the aforementioned "bundling" method - stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs together with regular software/apps.

Developers hide "bundled" applications within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users rush these procedures and skip steps. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUAs, very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. You are advised to download programs from official sources only, using direct download links.

Third party downloaders/installers are monetized using the "bundling" method, and thus these tools should never be used. Be aware that some potentially unwanted applications are distributed using intrusive advertisements that redirect to malicious sites and run scripts that download/install rogue apps or even malware.

These advertisements often seem legitimate, but most lead to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you experience these ads, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior - the key to safety is caution.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Appearance of Secure Mac Tuneup PUA (GIF):

Appearance of Secure Mac Tuneup scam (GIF)

Website promoting Secure Mac Tuneup PUA:

Secure Mac Tuneup official website

Official Secure Mac Tuneup installation setup:

Secure Mac Tuneup official installer

IMPORTANT NOTE! Secure Mac Tuneup adds itself to the list of applications that automatically run upon each user log in. Therefore, before commencing, perform these steps:

  • Go to System Preferences -> Users & Groups. 
  • Click your account (also known as Current User).
  • Click Login Items.
  • Look for the "Secure Mac Tuneup" entry.  Select it, and click the "-" button to remove it.

Secure Mac Tuneup PUP system preferences

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted programs removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac adware removal from applications folder

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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