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Finder.app Wants Access To Control Safari.app POP-UP Virus (Mac)

Also Known As: "Finder.app" wants access to control "Safari.app" virus
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is "Finder.app" wants access to control "Safari.app"?

"Finder.app" wants access to control "Safari.app" is a pop-up window that appears as a legitimate notification from the MacOS operating system. In fact, this notification should not be trusted, since it is opened by adware-type applications (apps that serve users with various ads) installed on the system.

This is just one of many fake pop-up windows. Other examples include ""Install" would like to control this computer", "Bash wants to control System Events", and "Osascript wants to control Safari".

Finder.app wants access to control Safari.app pop-up virus

One adware-type app that displays this pop-up window is called "Finder.app". It disguises itself, claiming to be Finder, a default file manager in MacOS systems. In fact, this pop-up window has nothing to do with Finder. It asks users to grant permission to control the Safari browser.

It states that allowing this will provide "Finder.app" access to documents and data relating to Safari and also allow it to perform various actions within the app. Giving adware-type apps these permissions can result in changed browser settings and redirects to untrustworthy (potentially, malicious) websites.

Being forced to visit dubious or malicious sites can cause unwanted downloads and installations, problems with browsing safety and online privacy, or even computer infections that might lead to even more serious problems. For these reasons, we strongly recommend that you ignore this pop-up window and do not allow it to take control of the Safari browser.

Furthermore, check the browser for unwanted applications (extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons) and uninstall them immediately. Also remove any unwanted applications installed on the operating system.

Adware-type apps feed users with intrusive advertisements. These applications are classified as potentially unwanted apps (PUAs). They usually deliver coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys and other online advertisements. These are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site - they conceal underlying content of any visited website.

When clicked, these ads can open untrustworthy websites or execute scripts designed to download/install other unwanted apps. Many PUAs gather data including, for example, IP addresses, geo-locations, search queries, URLs of visited websites, and other browsing-related data.

They sometimes also collect personal details. Developers continuously share the details with third parties who misuse private data to generate revenue. Some of these third parties might be cyber criminals.

Threat Summary:
Name "Finder.app" wants access to control "Safari.app" virus
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
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There are many dubious pop-up windows similar to this one. Some demand various permissions, whilst others ask users to enter usernames and passwords. These pop-ups are usually triggered and displayed by PUAs (adware). Most users install PUAs unintentionally - they are tricked by developers who promote these apps as 'useful' and legitimate.

When installed, adware-type apps cause only problems and deliver no benefits or value. Furthermore, they often are the reason behind various problems relating to privacy, browsing safety, and so on.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Most people install PUAs unintentionally or are tricked. Generally, they install these apps through clicked intrusive advertisements or when software developers use the "bundling" method. Bundling is the inclusion of unwanted apps into download or installation set-ups of other regular software.

It is a deceptive marketing method used to trick people into installing PUAs together within other software. Developers achieve this by hiding PUAs in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the download/installation set-ups.

Therefore, information regarding the inclusion of unwanted apps is not disclosed. Note, however, that users who leave settings unchanged usually cause inadvertent installation/download of PUAs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To keep Mac computer safe from installation/downloads of unwanted apps, download software (especially freeware) from official websites and using direct links. Third party software downloaders/installers, unofficial websites, torrent clients, eMule or other Peer-to-Peer networks should not be used. These channels are often monetized by promoting PUAs.

Installations and downloads should be handled properly: all available "Advanced", "Custom" and other similar sections of various software installation or download set-ups should be checked and offers to install unwanted apps dismissed. Avoid clicking intrusive ads, especially if they are displayed on dubious websites.

Most ads appear legitimate and trustworthy, however, once clicked, they often redirect to untrustworthy websites such as gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on. If these unwanted redirects happen regularly, or the browser displays various ads, it is possible that an unwanted app is installed on the browser or operating system.

Check installed browser apps (extensions, plug-ins, add-ons, etc.) and uninstall all suspicious, unwanted entries. Also check apps/programs installed on the MacOS operating system. 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 a folder containing Finder.app adware files:

Finder.app adware files

Path to Finder.app adware files: "~/Library/Application Support/.dir/Finder.app"

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 remove "Finder.app" wants access to control "Safari.app" pop-ups 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.

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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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.

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