Remove AccessibleValue Hijacker From Mac

AccessibleValue: Step-by-step Delete Process

AccessibleValue is a notorious PC threat that has qualities of both adware as well as a browser hijacker. Creators of this browser-based infection use dubious techniques to spread it without users’ consent, therefore, it is also categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). This nasty adware has been found being distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player updates and bundled software. Soon after getting into the Mac computers, it makes changes to default browser’s settings to promote deceptive search engines. After that, it starts running intrusive advertisement campaigns and redirecting victims to pre-defined websites that could be potentially insecure.

AccessibleValue Provides Altered Search Results:

When AccessibleValue is installed on your Mac, each time you type something into the search or address bar, or open a new tab/window, you are redirected to an address of a fake search provider. This nasty search tool is assigned as default search engine, homepage, and new tab page without even seeking for users’ approval. However, it is not able to deliver results, so it reroutes to Yahoo or other legitimate engines and the results are filled with ads and sponsored links right at the top.

AccessibleValue displays an excessive amount of annoying advertisements in forms of banners, pop-ups, coupons, deals, discounts, surveys, etc. on each web page users visit. They overlay the page content and completely diminish the browsing experience. They are based on pay-per-click scheme and earn revenues for the developers with each click made on them. They look very eye-catching at the first glance but pose a serious threat to system and users’ safety. When clicked, then redirect to hazardous websites which contain tech support scams, push notification viruses, PUPs, porn, gambling, malware, and other malicious contents. And thus, stay away from AccessibleValue adverts as you never know what pages they might take you to.

This perilous hijacker is able to track victims’ activities whatever they do online and gather non-personally as well as personally identifiable information. It can collect pages viewed, links clicked, search queries typed, IP addresses, geolocations, saved passwords, credit card and banking details. Later on, it shares the recorded data with third-parties who then utilize them to customize ads, make fraudulent transactions, unauthorized purchases, and so forth. And thus, presence of nasty PUP in your Mac may lead to severe privacy issues, identity theft, and significant financial losses. So, an instant AccessibleValue removal is strongly recommended.

Ways To Propagate AccessibleValue:

As mentioned earlier, many potentially unwanted programs end up on targeted computers without acquiring direct approval. This is because software bundling is used for their distribution; a popular, illusive marketing practice. The distributors of freeware include several other applications into a program installer and then do everything to prevent users from knowing about it. As soon as the Quick or Recommended installation options are used, they end up with installing all the components added to the software package.

This is why you should be very cautious during the installation of free software. Always select the Advanced/Custom settings to stay in control of the practice, remove all the undesired ticks, and watch out for misleading deals/offers on the way. In addition, ignore dubious ads on third-party sites which claim that your Adobe Flash Player needs to be updated as the only motive of such advertisements is to deceive users into installing unwanted programs. But at the moment, you must remove AccessibleValue from the Mac without wasting any time.

Remove Files and Folders Related to AccessibleValue

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 AccessibleValue 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 AccessibleValue 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 AccessibleValue. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.