How to remove Chromium from Mac?
What is Chromium?
Chrome is the lightweight flagship browser that originated from an open source project by Google called Chromium and Chromium OS. It is now one of the more widely used browsers thanks to a vast. Maintain security and manage hundreds of policies across Windows, Mac, and Linux through one central cloud console with Chrome Browser Cloud Management. If you'd rather stick on-premises, you can still manage policies with ADM/ADMX templates for Chrome Browser.
Chromium is a legitimate open-source web browser developed by the Google corporation. Its appearance barely differs from the Google Chrome browser and cyber criminals take advantage of this. They modify the original Chromium source code and proliferate rogue variants. Therefore, since Chromium is very similar to Google Chrome, many users do not even notice that they are using Chromium rather than Google Chrome. Using rogue variants, cyber criminals gather information, deliver intrusive ads, and perform other malicious actions. In this article, we describe a rogue Chromium variant that contains a malicious pre-installed plug-in with a rather generic name, 'Management'. This extension is capable of performing a number of malicious actions.
- M82 is the codename for Chrome 82 and it would have been the backbone for the next big upgrade of Chrome on Windows, Mac, Android and Chrome OS. The core for Google Chrome, powers numerous web.
- Google Chrome is a very lightweight and easy-to-use open source Web browser by Google Inc. It was first released as a beta version on September 2, 2008 for the Windows platform. In December 2009 it was ported on Mac, and today is the most dynamically growing web-browser by the usage share worldwide.
Unlike regular adware-type applications (that typically record information such as IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, and search queries), this rogue extension records much more information that is likely to include personal details. It is capable of capturing the screen, managing downloads, detecting geolocations, modifying visited website content, and so on (full list below). Therefore, using Chromium variant with this rogue extension installed might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. As mentioned, the extension is capable of managing downloads and changing visited website content. In doing so, it might cause chain infections and open backdoors for other viruses to infiltrate the system. Furthermore, cyber criminals might gain access to users' personal accounts. Thus, the presence of such an extension can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. The homepage/new tab URL and default search engine of this Chromium variant are assigned to search.yahoo.com. The Yahoo search engine is legitimate - cyber criminals simply generate revenue by promoting it via an affiliate program. Note that this Chromium variant typically comes together with a rogue extension that infiltrates other web browsers (usually Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome). Immediately after infiltration, extensions also assign the browser homepage, new tab URL, and default search engine options to search.yahoo.com. In addition, they might record personal data. If a Chromium browser has infiltrated your system without consent, or you have downloaded it from an unofficial/dubious sources, uninstall it immediately. Furthermore, eliminate other suspicious applications/browser plug-ins and scan the system with a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite to remove all remnants.
Name | Chromium potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
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. |
There are dozens of rogue Chromium variants, but most target the Windows operating system, rather than macOS. These include BrowserAir, Dash, Wind, and many others. All of these applications are presented as legitimate, however, due to the modifications they make, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety. They deliver intrusive advertisements (that redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that download/install potentially unwanted applications) and gather sensitive information. These browsers are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
How did Chromium install on my computer?
Developers proliferate this rogue Chromium variant using a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling' - stealth installation of third party applications together with regular (usually free) programs. At time of research, Chromium was distributed using a deceptive µTorrent installer. Developers do not adequately disclose installation of potentially unwanted applications. Therefore, 'bundled' apps are hidden within 'Custom/Advanced' settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users often rush these procedures and skip steps. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted applications. In this way, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Select 'Custom/Advanced' settings, carefully analyze each download/installation step, and opt-out of additionally-included programs. We also recommend that you avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since they often include rogue apps. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. As mentioned above, potentially unwanted applications are also distributed using intrusive advertisements. Most seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, but they often redirect to dubious websites, such as surveys, pornography, adult dating, etc. If you experience these redirects, eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. Caution is the key to safety. If your computer is already infected with Chromium, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Deceptive application installer promoting Chromium adware:
Another deceptive free software installer bundling Chromium adware:
Screenshot of pre-installed extension ('Management'):
List of 'Management' extension permissions:
Access the page debugger backed
Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
Read and change your browsing history in all your signed in devices
Display notifications
Read and change your bookmarks
Read and modify data you copy and paste
Capture content of your screen
Manage your downloads
Detect your physical location
Change your settings that control websites access to features such as cookies, JavaScript, plugins, geolocation, microphone, camera, etc.
Manage your apps, extensions and themes
Communicate with cooperating native applications
Change your privacy-related settings
IMPORTANT NOTE! Chromium 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 'Chromium' and 'runChmm' entries. Select them, and click the '-' button to remove.
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 MacBy 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove Chromium related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Chromium ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Chromium adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Chromium ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Chromium adware removal:
Remove Chromium-related 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.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove chromium potentially unwanted application 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 same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
Itools pro torrent for mac. 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click '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.
Chromium potentially unwanted application removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove chromium potentially unwanted application related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove chromium potentially unwanted application related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Download Google Chromium For Mac
Remove chromium potentially unwanted application related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation. Tuxera ntfs for mac key.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser in the world. Users enjoy its fast loading speed, cross-device integration, and tabbed browsing. Google Chrome does not come installed as a standard on new Macs or PCs. Their native web browsers (Safari and Microsoft Edge, respectively) are automatically installed, forcing users to install Chrome themselves.
Seamless internet navigation
Chrome is an ideal browser to enjoy easy, coordinated online browsing across various devices.
Chrome
Whether you have a new Mac or an older one, Google Chrome sets the bar high for web browsers. You want a browser that is safe, easy to use, syncs data and content across all your devices, and operates quickly. Google Chrome is the solution that over 63% of the world turns to and with good reason. Mac users have distinguished taste and as such, expect high quality in their hardware and software products. Google Chrome delivers this to Mac users with its low CPU usage, reliability, and overall browsing experience. It delivers a high-quality browsing experience to Mac users with its low CPU usage, reliability, tabbed browsing, cross-device syncing, and lighting fast loading speed.
Google Chrome for Mac has a laundry list of features, earning its spot as the top web browser of choice for both Mac and PC users. It offers thousands of extensions, available through the Chrome web store, providing Mac owners with even more functionality. Adobe Flash is also available when you install Chrome on your Mac. The overall appearance is professional and clean. Enjoy customized browser preferences including your homepage of choice, sync and Google services, Chrome name and picture, importing bookmarks and settings, autofill capabilities (passwords, payments, addresses, etc.), toolbars, font, page zoom, and startup settings. Chrome's user interface is incredibly easy to navigate. Multi-tasking just got easier with tabbed browsing, which not only helps productivity, but looks clean and organized. Since Chrome can be downloaded on all of your devices (computers, phones, tablets), if you open a browser or perform a search on one device, Chrome will auto-sync that work stream on your other devices. If you look up a dinner recipe at work on your Mac but need the ingredient list at the grocery store? No problem - pull up the same tab within Chrome on your iPhone. Once you are home and ready to start cooking, just pull up the same Chrome recipe tab on your tablet. With the world moving faster than ever before, functionality like this can help make life a little easier.
Chrome's password, contact information, and payment autofill capabilities are revolutionizing users' online experience. Upon your consent, Chrome's autofill feature will easily fill out your name, address, phone number, email address, passwords, and payment information. If it's time to register your child for the soccer season but your wallet is downstairs, Google Chrome has your back, helping you easily fill in the data, so you can stay in your comfy chair. Chrome will only sync this data on your approved devices, so you can rest easy that your information is safe. CPU usage is immensely important when choosing a web browser. Keep your Mac's CPU free by browsing with Google Chrome, maximizing overall system performance. Chrome for Mac is currently available in 47 languages. It can only be installed on Intel Macs, currently limiting its userbase. Mac users can manage how their browsing history is used to personalize search, ads, and more by navigating to their 'Sync Settings' within Chrome. Encryption options, auto-completion of searches and URLs, similar page suggestions, safe browsing, and enhanced spell check are also available within the settings tab, helping users feel more in control of their browsing experience. Users also have the option to 'help improve Chrome' by automatically sending usage statistics, crash reports, visited URLs, and system information to Google, or can easily opt out within Chrome's settings.
Where can you run this program?
Google Chrome is available on MacOS X Yosemite 10.10 or later, Windows 7 or later, Android, and iOS devices. Chrome may successfully install on devices with lesser system requirements; however, Google only provides support on a system meeting the minimum system requirements.
Is there a better alternative?
For Mac users, Safari is the standard out-of-the-box browser installed on new devices. Most users prefer a web browser with better functionality than Safari. Chrome is harder on a Mac's battery life than Apple's native Safari browser. However, Chrome comes out ahead of Safari in terms of browsing speed, extensions, and video loading capabilities. Safari does have many of Chrome's features such as tab syncing across devices and auto-filling based on previous searches. Mozilla Firefox is another commonly used web browser among Mac users, though its memory usage knocks it down on the list of competitors. The main draw to Mozilla Firefox over Chrome is that because Firefox is open source, nothing fishy is going on behind the scenes. Google is notorious for capturing and using data which rightfully makes people uncomfortable.
Our take
Mac users tend to do things their own way. You've opted for the non-mainstream computer hardware, so using the native installed Safari browser seems in character. Safari's minimalist look draws Mac users in as well. Google Chrome is much more 'going along with the crowd'. Putting that aside, Mac owners should dig into what they really use their web browsers for, and determine if data privacy or features is more important to them. Better yet, why not have two browsers?
Should you download it?
Yes. For Mac users, Google Chrome's quick speed and helpful features makes it an excellent web browser choice. Google's controversial collection of personal and usage data is sure to make some pause on whether to install Chrome or not. However, if you are comfortable or indifferent to Google's data collection, go for it; the browser's overall functionality is impressive.
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