How To Remove Proton malware (Mac)

Simple Steps To Delete Proton malware

Proton malware is a dangerous kind of computer virus classified as a RAT (Remote Access Trojan). This precarious threat has been specially designed to enable remote access and control over a Mac PC system. It allows the creators almost user-level control over the infected device. It has several malicious traits which can be employed by the cyber actors in different ways. It has been found to be spread under the disguise of “Symantec Malware Detector” anti-virus suite. Nevertheless, it can be also bundled with other products including legitimate ones with genuine Apple code-signing signatures (i.e. certificates). It is necessary to mention that this hazardous trojan has no relation with the actual NortonLifeLock Inc. (previously known as Symantec).

Depth Analysis of Proton malware:

Proton malware is able to run specific commands and managing system/personal files to a certain level. It can gather system information such as MacOS (Mac Operating System) version, hardware serial number, last run terminal commands and installed apps. Moreover, during the installation of this notorious malware under the guise of the fake “Symantec Malware Detector”, it asks users to provide the admin account’s username and password. This nasty infection also collects data relating to browsing activity like search queries typed, IP addresses, geolocations, URLs visited and pages viewed.

Proton malware is able capable of taking screenshots and recording video via PC’s webcam. However, the main characteristic of this perilous virus is data extraction, specifically passwords. The log-in credentials can be acquired by this malware from Keychain Access and 1Password password managers and also from the GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) cryptographic software suite. In addition, it can record key strokes (keylogging); this trait is likewise employed to target account credentials (i.e. usernames/passwords) and other sensitive data (e.g. financial information).

Another functionality of Proton malware is presenting users with suspicious pop-up windows that can request specific details to be entered such as credit card details, banking account information, driver’s license, etc. To summarize, presence of this notorious virus in Mac PCs can result in financial losses, severe privacy issues and identity theft. In case this RAT has already infected the device, an anti-virus must be used to perform Proton malware removal from the compromised device.

Quick Glance

Name– Proton malware

Category– Mac virus, Trojan, password-stealing virus, spyware

Description– Steals users’ vital data for advertising motives and also to generate illicit income for the creators by misusing those details, Deactivates all the running security services of the infected device and drop more parasites in the machine as well as help the criminals to get access to system.

Symptoms– Slowness of system’s performance, fake error messages, security alerts, intrusive ads and pop-ups, unwanted redirects to questioning sites and so on.

Distribution– Spam email campaigns, malicious file downloads, P2P file sharing, and many more.

Removal– Manual and automatic guidelines as provided under this article

How Does This Virus Enter Your System?

As we have already stated, this pernicious malware is spread disguised as the “Symantec Malware Detector” anti-virus. Aside from using the genuine company name of “Symantec”, the full-name – “Symantec Malware Detector” – does not belong to any legitimate product. This fraudulent app was spread via now offline spiteful websites that almost mimics the Symantec blog. At the initial view, the fake blog looked legitimate, however after judging carefully, it was clearly illegitimate. (e.g. genuine SSL certificate issued not by Symantec’s own certificate authority).

The blog post promoting Proton malware as “Symantec Malware Detector”, concerned a allegedly new variant of the CoinThief malevolent program and the bogus anti-virus was supposedly able to detect and remove CoinThief. Then after, links to the illicit “Symantec” blog were tweeted a lot about in Twitter (likely, via accounts hijacked by Proton RAT). However, this hazardous virus might be promoted using various disguises and methods. Most often, virus is propagated through unreliable download channels like spam campaigns, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders, unofficial and free file-hosting sites, illegal activation (“cracking”) tools and fake updates.

Tips To Avoid Trojan Infection:

To prevent this, it is necessary to research software and download it only from official and verified sources. Furthermore, activate and update all products using tools/functions provided by legitimate developers. Since illegal activation tools (“cracks”) and third party updaters are often used to spread malware. Never open suspicious emails coming from unknown sender, especially any links or attachments found in them – as that can result in a high-risk infection. To ensure computer and user safety, it is paramount to have a reputable anti-virus/anti-malware suite installed. But at the moment, you must remove Proton malware from the Mac device without wasting any time.

Remove Files and Folders Related to Proton malware

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove Proton malware from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete Proton malware add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to Proton malware. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.