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Mac Speedup Pro Unwanted Application (Mac)

Also Known As: MacSpeedup Pro potentially unwanted application
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is "Mac Speedup Pro"?

Developers promote Mac Speedup Pro (also known as MacSpeedup Pro or Mac~Speedup~Pro) as an app that enhances Mac computer performance by allowing users to scan for various issues. Generally, this app is offered as an optimization-oriented app, however, it is also categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA). 

Mac Speedup Pro is promoted using the "bundling" method, and thus many people install it inadvertently.

Mac Speedup Pro unwanted application

Mac Speedup Pro users are offered tools such as cache manager, logs manager, trash manager, rogue apps cleaner, browser history cleaner, and so on. These tools are not free. Once a scan is complete, users must activate Mac Speedup Pro to start repairing detected issues. This is done by purchasing the 'full' version. As mentioned, this app is categorized as a PUA.

Applications of this type offer free scans that supposedly detect many issues. In fact, these scans usually display dubious or fake results to encourage users to pay for the so-called 'full versions'. It is not known whether Mac Speedup Pro is legitimate, however, we advise that you do not trust applications that are promoted using the "bundling" method.

Furthermore, developers often use this method to promote more than one app at once. Therefore, it is possible that Mac Speedup Pro was not the only app that was installed during the installation process.

Apps of this type are usually installed together with browser hijackers or adware-type programs and cause problems relating to unwanted redirects, intrusive ads, and data tracking. We advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted apps immediately, including Mac Speedup Pro app.

Threat Summary:
Name MacSpeedup Pro 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 apps similar to Mac Speedup Pro, such as Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Cleanup Pro, MacOptimizer, Mac-Mechanic, and many more.

Typically, they are promoted as 'useful applications' capable of providing various features - in this case, system optimization tools. Once installed, however, they provide no real value and are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Some potentially unwanted applications (including Mac Speedup Pro) can be downloaded from their official websites, however, most people download them inadvertently through intrusive ads or when they skip the software installation/download set-up steps.

Software developers often use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" to trick users into installing or downloading unwanted apps together with regular (usually free, ad-supportive) software. This is achieved simply by hiding these apps in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings of the installation/download dialogs.

Developers are aware that many users skip installation steps and click various ads, and they use this behaviour to their advantage.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Be careful when downloading and installing software and avoid clicking ads displayed on dubious websites. Download software using official sources (websites) and directs links. Tools such as third party software downloaders, installers, torrents and other similar sources should not be used.

Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other sections of installation/download dialogs and set-ups. Make sure that there are no checkboxes ticked by default. Deselect any offers to install software that you do not wish to install, and only then complete the installation/download.

If you encounter redirects to untrustworthy websites (gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on), it is possible that unwanted apps are installed on your computer. Check for any suspicious entries (plug-ins, add-ons, extensions, etc.) installed on your browser (or computer) and uninstall them immediately.

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

Screenshot of Mac Speedup Pro installer:

Mac Speedup Pro installer

Screenshot of Mac Speedup Pro app:

Mac Speedup Pro app

Appearance of Mac Speedup Pro (GIF):

Appearance of Mac Speedup Pro app (GIF) 

Screenshot of MacSpeedup Pro installer setup:

MacSpeedup Pro installer setup

Screenshot of MacSpeedup Pro application:

MacSpeedup Pro unwanted application

IMPORTANT NOTE! Mac Speedup Pro (MacSpeedup Pro) 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 "Mac Speedup Pro" or "MacSpeedup Pro" entry.  Select it, and click the "-" button to remove it.

Mac Speedup Pro PUA 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 Mac Speedup Pro using Combo Cleaner:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker 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.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
MacSpeedup Pro potentially unwanted application QR code
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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.