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How to stop redirects to thevpnsafety.com

Also Known As: thevpnsafety.com pop-up
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is thevpnsafety[.]com?

thevpnsafety[.]com is one of many deceptive websites that targets mostly iPhone and iPad users, however, computer users are also targeted. This scam site is designed to display a fake virus message and trick people into installing an application that supposedly removes 'detected threats'.

Neither web pages such as thevpnsafety[.]com nor apps promoted through them can be trusted. Browsers usually open these sites when potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are installed. Most people do not visit these sites intentionally.

thevpnsafety[.]com scam

When opened, thevpnsafety[.]com displays a pop-up window which informs visitors that their Apple device is damaged by 39 viruses. It also states that the visitor's SIM card inserted into the Apple device is corrupted, and that details such as contacts, photos, apps, and so on, have been damaged.

The next thevpnsafety[.]com web page states that the device is damaged by 30 harmful viruses that were installed while the user was visiting adult websites. To prevent further damage, visitors are encouraged to remove all detected viruses immediately. This is supposedly done by clicking the "Repair Now" button.

At time of research, this downloaded the AdControl app, however, thevpnsafety[.]com might also be used to promote other apps. In any case, do not trust apps that are advertised through deceptive websites. AdControl is likely to be a legitimate app, since it is available on Apple Store, however, it is promoted through a scam website (scam sites can never be trusted).

Typically, people are forced to visit untrustworthy pages by PUAs installed on browsers or operating systems. Most of these apps record details relating to users.

For example, IP addresses, geolocations, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, and so on. Developers of PUAs share the information with other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. This can lead to problems with browsing safety, online privacy, identity theft, etc.

Threat Summary:
Name thevpnsafety.com pop-up
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus.
Serving IP Address 157.230.152.172
Detection Names CRDF (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Promoted Application AdControl
Symptoms Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious 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.

Other examples of web pages similar to thevpnsafety[.]com are safetyvpn[.]net and numberonevpn[.]com. These usually display fake messages relating to detected errors, viruses (and other threats/problems) and encourage visitors to install a dubious application.

Deceptive websites cannot be trusted and you should ignore them. In addition, the PUAs that open them should never be trusted. If PUAs are installed on the system or browser, remove them immediately. They deliver no real value and simply cause problems.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Most people download and install unwanted apps inadvertently when they click deceptive ads (this allows the ads to download or install PUAs) or when software developers include PUAs in set-ups of other software.

To trick people into unwanted downloads/installations through set-ups, developers hide information about additional PUAs in settings such as "Advanced", "Custom", and so on. Unfortunately, many people leave these settings unchecked and unchanged, thereby agreeing by default to download/install additional software (PUAs).

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

To prevent PUAs from being downloaded/installed, download software from official, trustworthy websites. Do not use channels/tools such as third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), etc. Check "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings that are available in download or installation set-ups, especially if the software is free.

If clicked, many intrusive advertisements open dubious websites or cause unwanted downloads/installations. These ads are often displayed on sites relating to gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc. If clicked, they redirect users to various untrustworthy websites.

To stop the browser from showing ads or opening dubious sites, remove all unwanted apps (extensions, add-ons, plug-ins) installed. Also remove any apps of this type installed on the 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 the thevpnsafety[.]com pop-up window:

thevpnsafety.com pop-up

Text presented in this page:

ATTENTION - Viruses found!
Your Apple is severely damaged by (39) viruses! Soon your Apple SIM card will be corrupt and it will damage your contacts, photos, data, applications, etc..

Second thevpnsafety[.]com page:

thevpnsafety.com second page

Text in this page (mobile and desktop version):

Your iPhone is severly damaged by (39) viruses
We've noticed that your Apple is 28.1% Damaged by (30) harmful viruses from recent adult sites. It will soon corrupt your iPhone's SIM card and damage your contacts, photos, data, and applications.
4 minutes and 25 seconds
If you don't remove the virus now, it will cause serious damage to your iPhone. Here's what you need to do (step by step):

Step 1: Tap and install AdControl for free on the App Store!

Step 2: Open the application to speed up and fix your browser now!
Repair Now

Appearance of thevpnsafety[.]com scam (GIF):

Appearance of thevpnsafety.com scam (GIF)

AdControl download page:

AdControl download website

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

enable pop-up blocking step 1

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

enable pop-up blocking step 2

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

enable pop-up blocking step 3

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 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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About PCrisk

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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.

QR Code
thevpnsafety.com pop-up QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of thevpnsafety.com pop-up on your mobile device.
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