How to remove MacSync malware from your Mac device

What kind of malware is MacSync?

MacSync is a piece of malicious software that is a rebranded and upgraded version of the mac.c stealer. mac.c was developed in the spring of 2025, and a month later, the rebrand occurred. MacSync retains the data-stealer functionalities but also has backdoor capabilities. While the stealer was written in the C programming language, the backdoor module is based on the Go language.

MacSync activity is global; most infections were detected in Ukraine, the US, Germany, the UK, and Spain. This malware has been spread through ClickFix scams.

MacSync malware overview

The known MacSync infections originated from ClickFix scams that tricked victims into executing a malicious command on their devices, thus triggering the malware download/installation. Upon successful infiltration, MacSync displays a fake prompt requesting users to provide the device password.

The infection then progresses to the infiltration of the Go-based backdoor module. The backdoor seeks to connect to its C&C (Command and Control) server, and the stealer works on collecting data of interest. MacSync's measures against analysis and detection include code obfuscation and deletion of associated temporary files.

The information targeted by MacSync (e.g., personal files, log-in credentials, cryptowallets, etc.) and the methods for obtaining it remain the same as in its original mac.c stealer iteration. More information on this can be found in our dedicated article on mac.c stealer.

Backdoors are a type of malware designed to open a "backdoor" into systems. Usually, the goal is to prepare the device for further infection and possibly even carry it out. MacSync's backdoor component can receive and execute commands from its C&C server. As this malware has moved towards a modular approach, it might be used to introduce other modules in order to expand its functionalities.

To summarize, the presence of malicious software like MacSync on devices can lead to multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Similar malware examples

We have investigated countless malicious programs; Shamos, Odyssey, Cthulhu – are merely a few of our articles on Mac-targeting stealers, and NokNok, RShell, macOS.Macma – on backdoors.

To expand on these malicious programs, stealers can target specific details only or a broad range of information. Theoretically, backdoors and similar software can cause just about any type of infection – trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, etc. Yet in practice, these programs tend to operate within certain specifications or limitations.

It must be emphasized that regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did MacSync infiltrate my computer?

MacSync has been observed being proliferated via Cloudflare-themed ClickFix scams. More details can be found in our dedicated article for the Mac-specific version of these scams. However, other methods are possible.

Phishing and social engineering tactics are standard in malware distribution. Malicious software is often disguised as or bundled with ordinary content.

The most prevalent malware proliferation techniques include: online scams, malvertising, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malicious attachments or links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, etc.), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.

Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly advise downloading only from official and verified sources. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

Additionally, be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is full of deceptive and dangerous content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.

It is essential to have a reputable antivirus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Update January 13, 2026 – new MacSync variant has been discovered. Unlike in the past, this malware did not proliferate through ClickFix scams or the "Drag-to-Terminal" execution, both of which require a higher level of user interaction. This version eschewed any Terminal interaction on the victim's part.

The MacSync iteration arrived onto systems via a digitally signed and notarized Swift application (DMG – Apple Disk Image file), the certificate of which has since been revoked. Thus, the program was able to bypass Gatekeeper – Mac's security feature. Other observed anti-detection techniques included checking whether it was executed in a sandbox environment and inflation of the DMG file with LibreOffice-related PDF documents.

Example of a ClickFix website distriburing MacSync malware:

Update February 10, 2026 - Microsoft has included MacSync in a February 2026 warning about a wave of macOS infostealers being actively deployed in coordinated campaigns. The warning highlights that these threats are capable of harvesting credentials stored in iCloud Keychain, and can also steal developer credentials such as API keys and SSH keys. (source: thehackernews.com).

Update May 7, 2026 - Microsoft researchers have observed MacSync being distributed alongside SHub and AMOS in a coordinated ClickFix campaign targeting Mac users. The lures are fake macOS disk-cleanup and storage-management instruction pages, hosted not only on standalone domains but also on legitimate platforms — including Squarespace, Medium, and Craft (e.g., mac-storage-guide.squarespace[.]com, macos-disk-space.medium[.]com) — to make the pages appear more credible.

Some variants of the campaign also replace legitimate cryptocurrency wallet apps such as 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 29, 2026 - Trend Micro researchers documented a sustained malvertising campaign delivering MacSync via fake Google Ads that impersonate popular AI developer tools, including Claude AI, ChatGPT Codex, Perplexity, Cursor IDE, and JetBrains, alongside Mac cleanup utility lures. Tracked from April to June 2026, the campaign first hosted fake download pages on GitLab Pages subdomains, then escalated by abusing claude.ai's own "Shared Chat" feature to host the malicious instructions.

The weaponized shared chats impersonated "Apple Support" or "Corda Team" with step-by-step ClickFix instructions telling visitors to open Terminal and paste a single line that silently downloaded and ran MacSync. The malware then harvested browser credentials and cookies, SSH keys, and cryptocurrency wallet files.

Victims came overwhelmingly from the Asia-Pacific region, with Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore accounting for the largest share of confirmed infections. After being notified, Anthropic banned the responsible accounts, disabled the malicious shared conversations, and began rolling out additional abuse mitigations for the shared chat feature. (source: trendmicro.com).

Update August 20, 2026 - According to research by Microsoft, MacSync Stealer operates across more than 30 domains that are regularly rotated to evade detection. Despite frequent infrastructure changes, Microsoft was able to track the malware through consistent behavioral signatures that remain the same across different domains.

The research also confirmed that MacSync steals data from a wide range of browsers (Chrome, Brave, Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, Arc, and Chromium), Apple Notes, and cloud service credentials. Users running macOS 26.4 or newer now have a built-in Terminal warning that alerts them to ClickFix-style attacks used to distribute this malware. (source: microsoft.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:

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is "MacSync"?
• Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.

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:

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)

My computer is infected with MacSync malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

No, malware removal rarely necessitates formatting.

What are the biggest issues that MacSync malware can cause?

The dangers posed by an infection differ depending on the malware's abilities and the attackers' goals. MacSync can open a "backdoor" to systems, execute various commands, and gather sensitive data. Generally, malware of this kind can cause multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of MacSync malware?

Typically, malware is used to generate revenue. Aside from financial gain, other motivations behind malware attacks include the cyber criminals seeking amusement or the realization of personal grudges, process disruption (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), hacktivism, and political/geopolitical reasons.

How did MacSync malware infiltrate my computer?

MacSync has been proliferated via ClickFix scams, but other methods are not unlikely. The most prevalent malware distribution techniques include: drive-by downloads, malvertising, trojans, malspam, online scams, suspicious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), fake updaters, and illegal software activation tools ("cracks"). Some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating practically all known malware infections. Keep in mind that performing a complete system scan is paramount since sophisticated malicious software usually hides deep within systems.