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Avoid getting scammed by sites claiming a "Hacker is tracking you!"

Also Known As: Hacker is tracking you! pop-up
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is "Hacker is tracking you!"?

"Hacker is tracking you!" is a scam promoted on various rogue sites. This scheme urges visitors not to close the webpage because a hacker is monitoring them. It must be emphasized that this warning is fake; furthermore, no website can detect threats present on visitors' devices.

Scams of this kind usually push various fake anti-viruses, browser hijackers, adware, and other PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). Typically, users enter deceptive websites through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by untrustworthy pages, intrusive ads, or installed PUAs

Hacker is tracking you! scam

"Hacker is tracking you!" scam overview

The scam claims the visitor's iPhone has been hacked. Allegedly, within two minutes, the cyber criminals will disclose the user's identity, send their browsing history and front-camera photos - to their entire contact list. Hence, the scheme urges the visitor not to exit the website, and it displays a countdown clock. The user is instructed to download/install the promoted app to avoid the previously mentioned threats.

The software endorsed through such scams - tends to appear legitimate and offers "handy" features, which rarely work (e.g., fake anti-virus tools). Furthermore, most PUAs have harmful abilities (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, etc.).

To summarize, trusting the "Hacker is tracking you!" scam and allowing the software it promotes into the device - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Hacker is tracking you! pop-up
Threat Type Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim Scam claims a hacker is watching the user via their iPhones.
Disguise Scam is presented as an alert from Apple.
Related Domains kilomeu[.]com
Detection Names (kilomeu[.]com) N/A (VirusTotal)
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.

Online scams in general

"Your iPhone Was Hacked", "Malware detected! iPhone need to be repaired", "MALWARE DETECTED Action Required", and "Hackers hijacked your calendar, infected your battery" are some examples of scams similar to "Hacker is tracking you!".

The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Common scam models include - fake virus and error warnings, outdated/missing software alerts, hoax lotteries and prize raffles, bogus giveaways and ludicrous deals, etc. Due to how widespread dangerous websites are - it is strongly recommended to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are proliferated using the "bundling" marketing technique - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts spread PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. PUAs may also have "official" promotional/download webpages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software and only download it from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer bundled/harmful content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study available options, and use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings - to opt-out of all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If these ads and/or redirects are encountered, the system must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins - immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

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".

remove pop-ups and clear cache 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".

disable pop-ups and clear cache step 2

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

disable pop-ups and clear cache 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

Essentially, pop-up scams are deceptive messages intended to entice or scare users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be pushed into downloading/installing (likely untrustworthy or malicious) software, purchasing products, calling fake support lines, disclosing private and sensitive information, paying bogus fees, and so on.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Most pop-up scams have the same end-goal - to generate revenue for their designers. Cyber criminals can profit by abusing or selling private data, obtaining money through trickery, promoting dubious applications, proliferating malware, and so forth.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are run on deceptive websites, which are typically accessed unintentionally. These sites can be forced-opened by harmful software already present on the system. They can also be entered via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by rogue webpages, browser notifications, or intrusive advertisements.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan every single website you visit and detect deceptive and malicious ones. Therefore, if you enter such a webpage - you will be warned immediately, and further access to the site will be restricted.

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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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