How to remove ClickFix malware from MacOS

What is "ClickFix" malware?

ClickFix scams trick users into running malicious commands by pretending to solve issues like fixing website errors or performing other steps. Ultimately, victims are tricked into taking actions that cause computer infections. These scams can lead to various issues, including data theft and unauthorized remote access to computers.

ClickFix campaign targeting macOS users

One known scam campaign targeting macOS users is the fake Safeguard scam, which primarily targets cryptocurrency users. The scam operates in at least two ways. In the first case, users may come across Telegram channels urging them to "Tap to verify" to participate in token airdrops.

Clicking the provided button or link directs users to a fake Safeguard bot that pretends to verify their account. After the "verification" process, the bot claims that the verification has failed and provides manual steps to resolve the issue. If these steps are followed, malicious code is secretly copied to the clipboard.

In the second case, scammers use fake social media accounts impersonating well-known people and share links to Telegram groups in comment sections. They invite users to join for investment opportunities. Once users join these groups, they are tricked into following a fake verification process, similar to the first scenario.

When users are given step-by-step instructions, harmful code is copied to their clipboard. If they paste this code into the macOS Terminal or another system tool, it may appear normal, sometimes starting with a benign-looking term like "Telegram" masking its malicious intent. The code typically contains commands that download and run advanced malware, such as remote access Trojans.

These RATs allow hackers to steal sensitive information, such as wallet files, passwords, and private keys, and can even be used to steal cryptocurrency. It is important to mention that above are just a couple examples of schemes used to trick users into infecting computers.

Threat actors can also try to trick users into "fixing" problems, "creating" documents, "joining" calls, and taking other steps to lure users into unknowingly executing malware through malicious code pasted into their clipboard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ClickFix scams are a growing threat, tricking users into running malicious commands. These scams have recently expanded to target macOS users. It is crucial for users to remain vigilant and avoid falling for these deceptive tactics to protect their computers, personal data, and digital assets.

How did malware infiltrate my computer?

Users may be tricked into clicking links from Telegram channels or fake social media accounts. These links lead to a fake bot or group, promising account verification or investment opportunities. Once users follow instructions, malicious code is secretly copied to their clipboard. If they paste this code into tools like macOS Terminal, it activates the malware.

How to avoid malware?

Be cautious with emails—carefully inspect them before opening links or attachments, especially if they are unsolicited, irrelevant, or from unknown senders. Avoid clicking on ads, buttons, links, or pop-ups found on dubious websites, and do not permit sites of this kind to send you notifications.

Always download software from official websites or trusted app stores. Avoid using P2P networks, questionable websites, or downloading pirated software and illegal tools. Additionally, keep your operating system and applications up to date, and regularly scan your device with a trusted security tool to detect and prevent potential threats.

If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Appearance of the ClickFix malware delivery scheme where a malicious code is copied into the clipboard (GIF):

Other examples of ClickFix-type websites targeting MacOS users:

Screenshot of an X post promoting ClickFix-type website variant:

Update March 13, 2026 - Sophos researchers have documented three ClickFix campaigns targeting Mac users between November 2025 and February 2026, using new lures including fake AI tools (an "OpenAI Atlas" browser and ChatGPT-themed pages), fraudulent Google search ads, and fake GitHub installation guides. A February 2026 campaign additionally used a page impersonating an Apple website to trick users.

The MacSync infostealer delivered in these campaigns has evolved significantly. Beyond stealing cryptocurrency wallet data, the updated variant also targets saved browser data, macOS Keychain passwords, and SSH and cloud service credentials. It runs silently as a background process to maintain persistence after the initial infection.

Active infections from the February 2026 campaign were identified in Belgium, India, and parts of North and South America. (source: sophos.com).

Update March 26, 2026 - ANY.RUN researchers have identified a ClickFix campaign specifically targeting users of AI developer and productivity tools, including Claude Code, Grok, Gemini CLI, Cursor, n8n, and NotebookLM. Victims are directed to a fake Claude Code documentation page through Google ads, where a ClickFix prompt instructs them to run a Terminal command that installs AMOS Stealer.

This variant also installs a persistent backdoor after the initial data theft, giving attackers ongoing remote access and full control over the infected Mac long after the first infection. (source: @anyrun_app).

Screenshot of a fake Claude website (claude-download.squarespace[.]com) hosting ClickFix:

Update May 7, 2026 - Microsoft researchers have documented further evolution of ClickFix campaigns targeting Mac users. In addition to standalone malicious domains, threat actors are now hosting fake macOS disk-cleanup and storage-management instruction pages on legitimate platforms — including Squarespace, Medium, and Craft (e.g., mac-storage-guide.squarespace[.]com, macos-disk-space.medium[.]com) — to lend the lures more credibility. When users paste the provided commands into Terminal, macOS's Gatekeeper security checks are bypassed, allowing the malware to execute without triggering standard app-safety warnings.

Three distinct campaign variants were observed, delivering infostealers such as MacSync, SHub, and AMOS, which harvest saved browser passwords, macOS Keychain secrets, iCloud data, cryptocurrency wallet files, and personal documents. Some variants go further by replacing legitimate cryptocurrency apps — including Ledger Live, Trezor Suite, and Exodus — with trojanized versions that silently steal funds. Apple has responded by adding a paste-blocking warning in macOS 26.4 that alerts users when pasting Terminal commands could be harmful. (source: microsoft.com).

Update June 25, 2026 - Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 researchers have documented a macOS ClickFix campaign that uses an automated disk image delivery technique. After a victim is tricked into running a malicious command in Terminal, the command silently downloads a DMG disk image and mounts it in the background without it appearing in Finder. Any application or installer found inside is then launched automatically.

This campaign delivers the Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS) infostealer and also presents victims with a fake macOS System Preferences authentication prompt designed to steal their login password directly. (source: bleepingcomputer.com).

Update August 10, 2026 - Huntress researchers have identified a new Mac stealer written in the Go programming language and linked to Aeza Group, a bulletproof hosting provider sanctioned by the United States in 2025. The malware spreads via a ClickFix-based attack chain: victims receive emails with links displaying fake CAPTCHA prompts that instruct them to paste a command into Terminal, which silently downloads and installs the payload.

Beyond stealing saved passwords, browser data, and Apple Keychain credentials, the malware includes a wallet draining function targeting Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Monero, Ethereum, and XRP. Unusually, it can steal any percentage of a wallet's balance rather than emptying it entirely - making the theft harder for victims to notice immediately. (source: huntress.com).

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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Quick menu:

• What is "ClickFix"?
• STEP 1. Remove malware-related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

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

Unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "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.

Mac malware removal and recovery procedure

If unfamiliar processes are running, browser searches are being redirected, fans are spinning loudly for no reason, or fake "Update Safari" prompts have appeared, your Mac is likely infected. Run a full scan with Combo Cleaner for Mac to remove the infection. The full manual procedure below covers cases where automatic removal failed, where you want to verify a scan caught everything, or where the malware has multiple persistence points across LaunchAgents, LaunchDaemons, and Configuration Profiles.

Common Mac malware behaviors

VisibleAdware injection - browser hijackers and fake search engines

The most common Mac malware. Replaces your default search engine, homepage, or new-tab page with a lookalike domain that funnels every query through ad networks before passing it to a real provider. Often arrives bundled with cracked apps, fake Flash Player updates, or "free media player" downloads (MPlayerX, NicePlayer).

HiddenLaunchAgent / LaunchDaemon persistence

The standard way Mac malware survives reboots. A small .plist file in /Library/LaunchAgents/, /Library/LaunchDaemons/, or ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ tells launchd to run the malware at every login or boot. The .plist often picks a generic-looking name like com.apple.AdobeFlash.plist or com.system.helper.plist to blend in among legitimate Apple files.

HiddenConfiguration Profile abuse

Configuration Profiles are an enterprise feature - they let an IT department enforce policy on managed Macs (homepage, DNS, certificates, password rules). Adware abuses this by silently installing a Profile that locks the browser homepage, default search, or DNS server at the OS level. Manual browser reset doesn't help - the Profile reapplies the hijack. Check System Settings → General → Device Management (or "Profiles" on older macOS).

VisibleFake update prompts (FlashPlayer.dmg variants)

"Your Flash Player is out of date" or "Update your browser to view this content." Adobe killed Flash in 2020 - any current "Flash update" prompt is malware. The Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS) family heavily uses this trick to deliver info-stealers that grab browser passwords, keychain items, and crypto wallet seed phrases. Apple's Software Update never appears as a browser pop-up.

SymptomCryptominer CPU usage

Fans spin loudly, the Mac runs hot, battery drains fast, Activity Monitor shows a process near 100% CPU. Cryptominers run silently in the background to mint cryptocurrency for the attacker. Often delivered via cracked apps from torrent sites, browser extensions, or supply-chain compromises in legitimate Mac software.

HiddenInfo stealing - AMOS, Banshee, Cthulhu, RustDoor

Modern Mac stealer families - AMOS (Atomic macOS Stealer), Banshee, Cthulhu, and RustDoor are the most active - read browser-saved passwords, cookies, autofill data, the macOS Keychain, crypto wallet seed phrases (Exodus, Electrum, Trezor Suite, MetaMask, etc.), and Apple Notes. AMOS is the most prolific overall, distributed via fake software installers, cracked apps, and fake "Spotlight" or "ChatGPT" sites. Once data is exfiltrated, the malware often deletes itself, leaving little trace - which is why credential rotation in Step 10 is critical even after the infection appears gone.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner for Mac 7-days free trial available

Recommended primary scanner. Detects adware, info-stealers, cryptominers, and the persistence files they install.

Activity Monitor Free · built-in

Built into macOS. Shows running processes with full file paths, CPU, memory, and network usage.

KnockKnock Free

By Objective-See (Patrick Wardle). Lists every place macOS malware can persist - LaunchAgents, LaunchDaemons, Login Items, Cron, Browser Extensions, Kernel Extensions, more.

Console.app Free · built-in

Built into macOS (Applications → Utilities). Shows system logs - useful for finding what process is launching a suspicious child.

Contain - limit the damage

~5 min

1

Disconnect from the network

⏱ 30 secNo tool needed

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar (or open Control Center) and turn Wi-Fi off. If you're on Ethernet, unplug the cable. This stops any active info-stealer or backdoor from sending data out or accepting commands. Keep the network off until you've booted into Safe Mode (next step) - you'll reconnect there briefly to download the scanner.

Why this mattersAMOS-family stealers exfiltrate browser passwords, keychain entries, and crypto wallet seeds within seconds of running. Cutting the network is the only way to stop ongoing exfiltration immediately.

2

Boot into Safe Mode and download Combo Cleaner

⏱ 5 min

macOS Safe Mode loads only Apple-trusted kernel extensions and skips most third-party LaunchAgents and user login items, so persistent Mac malware doesn't auto-run while you set up the scanner. Network access works normally in Safe Mode.

Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)

1. Choose Apple menu → Shut Down
2. Wait until the Mac is fully off
3. Press and hold the Power button until "Loading startup options" appears
4. Select your startup disk (usually "Macintosh HD")
5. Hold Shift, then click Continue in Safe Mode
6. Log in - the menu bar will show "Safe Boot" in red

Intel-based Mac

1. Choose Apple menu → Restart
2. Immediately press and hold the Shift key as the Mac begins to boot
3. Release Shift when the login window appears
4. Log in - the menu bar will show "Safe Boot" in red

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner for Mac. Save the .dmg to your Desktop. You can disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning if you want extra caution.

Identify - find what's hiding

~15 min

3

Inspect running processes with Activity Monitor

Tool: Activity Monitor⏱ 5 min

Open Activity Monitor (Applications → Utilities → Activity Monitor, or Cmd+Space and type "Activity Monitor"). Sort by CPU usage to spot cryptominers and runaway processes.

Click each unfamiliar process and choose View → Inspect Process (Cmd+I) to see:

• Path - anything in /private/tmp/, ~/Library/Application Support/<random-name>/, or with a generic-looking bundle ID is suspicious
• Code signing - Apple's processes are signed by "Apple" or "Software Signing." Adhoc-signed or unsigned binaries from third parties warrant investigation
• Open Files and Ports - shows what the process is touching on disk and network

Why this mattersMac malware often picks process names like "CoreServicesAgent" or "WindowServer" that look legit at a glance. The Inspect view shows the actual file path, which is what tells you it's not Apple's.

4

Map persistence with KnockKnock and inspect the launch paths

Tool: KnockKnock + Finder⏱ 7 min

Download KnockKnock by Objective-See (Patrick Wardle's free tool, the Mac equivalent of Sysinternals Autoruns). It lists every place macOS malware can persist in a single window: LaunchAgents, LaunchDaemons, Login Items, Cron Jobs, Browser Extensions, Kernel Extensions, Authorization Plug-ins, Mail Plug-ins, Quicklook, Spotlight, and more.

Run KnockKnock and toggle "Filter Signed Items" to focus on unsigned or non-Apple-signed entries. Click any suspicious item to see its file path and code-signing status.

If you'd rather check manually, open Finder → Go → Go to Folder (Shift+Cmd+G) and visit each path:

• /Library/LaunchAgents/ - system-wide, runs at login for any user
• /Library/LaunchDaemons/ - system-wide, runs at boot before login
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ - user-level, runs at this user's login
• ~/Library/Application Support/ - where adware drops its data folder, often with a random or app-mimicking name

Then check additional persistence locations in System Settings:

• Login Items & Extensions - System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions. Click anything you don't recognize and remove it
• Background Items - same panel, "Allow in the Background" section. Mac malware often shows up as a background item with an obscure name
• Configuration Profiles - System Settings → General → Device Management (or "Profiles" on older macOS). Remove any Profile you didn't install yourself

Pro tipRight-click any suspicious .plist → Open With → TextEdit. The <key>Program</key> and <key>ProgramArguments</key> values tell you exactly what executable runs and from where. Don't delete yet - write down the file paths and entry names. We'll remove them after the Combo Cleaner scan in Step 7.

5

Check /etc/hosts and DNS settings

⏱ 3 minBuilt into macOS

Mac malware sometimes redirects bank, Apple, antivirus, and update domains to attacker-controlled servers via the hosts file or DNS settings.

Hosts file: Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal) and run:

sudo nano /etc/hosts

Legitimate entries are commented with #. Any uncommented IP-to-domain mapping is suspicious - especially redirects for apple.com, icloud.com, your bank, or your password manager. Press Ctrl+X to exit nano without saving.

DNS settings: System Settings → Network → click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Details → DNS. Confirm DNS servers point to your ISP, your router, or a known public resolver (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Google 8.8.8.8). Anything else has been hijacked.

Why this mattersA clean Mac with hijacked DNS is still a compromised Mac. You'll think you're at chase.com and you'll be at the attacker's clone.

Remove - scan and clean up

~30 min

Recommended antivirus: Combo Cleaner for MacDetects adware, info-stealers, cryptominers, and the LaunchAgent / LaunchDaemon persistence files they install. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

6

Run a full Combo Cleaner for Mac scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner⏱ 20–30 min

Open the .dmg you downloaded in Step 2. Drag the Combo Cleaner icon to the Applications folder. Open it from Launchpad (or Applications), allow it to update its threat database, then click Start Combo Scan and let it complete fully. Review what it found and apply the recommended actions.

Why this comes before manual cleanupCombo Cleaner removes known adware, info-stealers, cryptominers, and the LaunchAgent persistence files they installed in one pass. Manual cleanup in Step 7 is for anything still left over.

7

Manually remove anything still present

⏱ 10 minTool: Finder

Reopen KnockKnock (or revisit the Finder paths from Step 4). Anything you flagged that's still present hasn't been caught by the automated scan. For each remaining suspicious entry:

1. Note the executable path the .plist references (right-click the .plist → Open With → TextEdit, look at <key>Program</key>)
2. Move the .plist to Trash
3. Move the executable file at the referenced path to Trash
4. Empty the Trash

Then go to /Applications and remove any unwanted apps the malware installed. Common adware-installed app names: MPlayerX, NicePlayer, MyShopcoupon, Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Cleanup Pro. Drag them to Trash, then check ~/Library/Application Support/ for any folder with the same name and delete it too.

ImportantSome malware files reappear after deletion because something else on the system recreates them. If a file returns within minutes, you have a remaining persistence point KnockKnock didn't show. Re-run Combo Cleaner or proceed to a macOS reinstall (see end of guide).

Recover - restore browsers and security

~15 min

8

Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

⏱ 5 min

Mac adware persists in browser extensions, search engine settings, homepage, and notification permissions. Reset each browser you use:

• Safari: Safari → Settings → Extensions - uninstall anything you don't recognize. Then Safari → Settings → Search - restore your preferred default search engine. Then Safari → Settings → Websites → Notifications - remove all unfamiliar sites. For a deep reset: Safari → History → Clear History → "all history."
• Chrome: visit chrome://settings/reset → "Restore settings to their original defaults." Then chrome://settings/content/notifications and remove unfamiliar sites.
• Firefox: open about:support → Refresh Firefox. Then check Settings → Privacy & Security → Permissions → Notifications.

Review installed extensions in each browser and remove anything you don't recognize, especially extensions you didn't install yourself.

9

Re-verify Gatekeeper, FileVault, and System Integrity Protection

⏱ 10 min

Some Mac malware tries to weaken built-in security to make persistence easier. Verify each is on:

• Gatekeeper (blocks unsigned apps): System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll to Allow applications downloaded from → confirm "App Store and identified developers" is selected (not "Anywhere"). If the malware added itself to the allow-list, the entry appears in the same panel - remove it.
• FileVault (full-disk encryption): System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault → confirm "FileVault is on for this disk." If it was disabled by malware, turn it back on.
• System Integrity Protection (SIP): open Terminal and run csrutil status. Output should be "System Integrity Protection status: enabled." If disabled, you'll need to reboot into Recovery Mode and run csrutil enable from there.

Then run macOS Software Update (System Settings → General → Software Update) to apply the latest security patches.

Verify & secure

~15 min + 7 days

10

Change passwords from a clean device

⏱ 20 min⚠ critical for AMOS family

If the malware was an info-stealer (AMOS, Banshee, Cthulhu, or RustDoor families are extremely common on Mac), assume every password saved in your browser is compromised. So is your iCloud Keychain if it was unlocked while the malware ran. Change passwords from a different, known-clean device - your iPhone is fine if it's not infected.

Recommended order:

1. Apple ID first - it controls iCloud, Find My, Apple Pay, and the App Store
2. Primary email - the recovery hub for everything else
3. Banking and financial accounts
4. Password manager master password (if you use one)
5. Crypto wallet seed phrases - if you store any seed phrase or private key on the Mac, AMOS specifically targets these. Move funds to a fresh wallet from a clean device immediately, before changing other passwords
6. Social media, shopping, and remaining accounts

Where available, enable phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (passkeys / hardware keys / authenticator apps) - SMS-based MFA is bypassable.

11

Verify the clean and monitor for 7 days

⏱ 5 min + 1 week monitoring

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner. Open System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions and confirm nothing suspicious has reappeared. Open Activity Monitor and verify no unfamiliar process is using significant CPU.

Over the next 7 days, watch for symptom recurrence: high CPU when the Mac is idle, browser redirects returning, fake update prompts, or unfamiliar Login Items reappearing. If anything returns, you missed a persistence point and the procedure needs to be repeated - or you may have a deeper compromise that requires a clean macOS reinstall.

When to reinstall macOS instead

Manual removal isn't always the right answer. Reinstalling macOS from scratch is the only way to be 100% certain when:

• The malware reappears after every removal attempt
• A kernel extension or system-level component was modified
• Confirmed credential-theft malware ran with admin rights - the system likely has multiple unknown payloads
• The Mac is used for online banking, crypto wallets, business email, or anything where partial doubt isn't acceptable

macOS reinstall is straightforward: shut down → boot to Recovery (Apple Silicon: hold the Power button → Options; Intel: Cmd+R during boot) → Erase Mac → Reinstall macOS. Back up documents to external storage first, scan the backup with Combo Cleaner before restoring it, and reinstall apps fresh - never restore them from a backup of the infected system.

Important: Manual removal of Mac malware requires care - deleting the wrong .plist or system app can prevent macOS from booting normally. If you're not confident identifying system files from malicious files, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner for Mac and stop there - that path catches the vast majority of consumer Mac malware without the risk of breaking macOS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a "ClickFix" scam?

A "ClickFix" scam is a type of fraudulent scheme that tricks users into running malicious commands on their devices.

What is the purpose of a "ClickFix" scam?

The purpose of a "ClickFix" scam is to trick users into running malicious code on their devices, which leads to malware infections. The malware can then steal sensitive information, such as passwords, wallet files, and private keys, or allow hackers to remotely access the system.

Why do I encounter scam websites?

Scam websites are spread through fake emails, bogus social media profiles, misleading advertisements, pop-ups, and suspicious notifications. Users can also be tricked by ads from adware or directed to scam sites via rogue ad networks, which are often found on torrent sites or illegal streaming platforms.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from scam websites?

Combo Cleaner scans every website you visit, detecting malicious ones. It also identifies sites that deliver scams, alerting you immediately and blocking access.