Auto Mac Speedup Unwanted Application (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Auto Mac Speedup?
Auto Mac Speedup is another deceptive application that supposedly allows users to enhance computer performance by cleaning caches, unwanted files, rogue applications, and providing other similar features.
On initial appearance, Auto Mac Speedup may seem legitimate and useful, however, developers proliferate this app using the "bundling" method, and thus Auto Mac Speedup is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
After successful installation, Auto Mac Speedup scans the system and displays a list of errors that must supposedly be fixed. The free version of Auto Mac Speedup is not capable of performing any actions that can help and, therefore, users are encouraged to purchase the 'full version'. Note that "bundled" system optimization tools are often fake.
Most generate false scan results just to scare and trick users into purchasing so-called full versions. Rather than giving any real value, these tools simply clean the false lists and nothing more. Therefore, we strongly advise you to uninstall Auto Mac Speedup and certainly do not pay for the full version.
"Bundling" is often used to proliferate several unwanted applications at once. Therefore, Auto Mac Speedup may not be the only PUA that has infiltrated your computer. In most cases, this method is used to spread adware and browser hijackers. These apps redirect users to malicious websites, display intrusive advertisements, and record user-system information.
Therefore, as well as removing Auto Mac Speedup, you should eliminate other dubious applications/browser plug-ins as well.
Name | Auto Mac Speedup potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | Unwanted application, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names (amspd_mtwsite.pkg) | Avira - No Cloud (PUA/OSX.GT32SupportGeeks.olerh), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.12881), Emsisoft (Adware.MAC.Generic.12881 (B)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/GT32SupportGeeks.V Potentially Unwanted), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady 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. |
Auto Mac Speedup is identical to Mac Tuneup Pro, My Mac Speedup, Smart Mac Cleaner, and many others. In fact, there are hundreds of unwanted applications, all of which are very similar. By offering "useful features", these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy to trick users to install.
Most unwanted apps usually have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers. Therefore, most unwanted apps provide no real value for regular users. They cause unwanted redirects, gather information, and deliver intrusive ads, thereby posing a threat to your privacy/web browsing safety and diminishing the browsing experience.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Auto Mac Speedup is free for anyone to download on its official website, however, as mentioned above, developers also promote it using the "bundling" method - stealth installation of third party apps together with regular software. Unwanted apps are often proliferated using this method. Developers know that users often rush download/installation processes and skip steps.
Therefore, "bundled" apps are concealed within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. By rushing and skipping steps, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of third party applications such as Auto Mac Speedup.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Caution is the key to computer safety. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software. Be very careful when downloading and installing software. Select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs.
Deselect additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. Avoid using third party download/installation tools, since most are monetized using the "bundling" method. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus these tools should not be used.
PUAs are also distributed using intrusive advertisements which redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts designed to download/install unwanted applications. These ads usually seem legitimate, however, developers invest time and money into their design. Most redirect to websites such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, and similar.
Developers typically generate these ads using adware-type software. If you encounter them, remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshot of Auto Mac Speedup potentially unwanted application:
Appearance of "Auto Mac Speedup" potentially unwanted application (GIF):
Official Auto Mac Speedup installation setup:
IMPORTANT NOTE! Auto Mac Speedup adds itself to the list of applications that automatically run upon each user log in. Therefore, before commencing, perform these steps:
- Go to System Preferences -> Users & Groups.
- Click your account (also known as Current User).
- Click Login Items.
- Look for "Auto Mac Speedup" entry. Select it, and click the "-" button to remove it.
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:
- What is Auto Mac Speedup?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA 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 Auto Mac Speedup unwanted application using Combo Cleaner:
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.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
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.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
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.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
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.
Scan 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.
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.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
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.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
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