Are you experiencing unwanted advertisements and browser redirects on your Mac? You may be a victim of the UpperTheory adware. UpperTheory is a potentially unwanted program that injects advertisements into websites you visit and redirects your browser search queries. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to remove UpperTheory from your Mac and restore your browsing experience.

Understanding UpperTheory Adware

UpperTheory is a malicious program categorized as adware. It hijacks your browser homepage and search engine, replacing them with its own and displaying unwanted advertisements. This adware operates through browser extensions or programs that modify your browser settings. Once installed on your computer, UpperTheory redirects your search queries through its own search engine, often using Yahoo Search for search results. It also opens new tabs in your browser to display advertisements for software, fake software updates, and tech support scams.

How UpperTheory Gets Installed

UpperTheory is typically installed by users, either knowingly or unknowingly. It is often bundled with other software or advertised through deceptive ads. Users may unintentionally install UpperTheory when downloading software from untrusted sources or by not paying attention during the installation process. Some free downloads do not disclose the installation of additional software, leaving users puzzled about where it came from.

Steps to Remove UpperTheory Adware

Removing UpperTheory from your Mac requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to eliminate the adware and restore your browser settings:

Step 1: Remove Malicious Profiles

Certain adware programs use configuration profiles to control the behavior of your Mac. These profiles can prevent users from removing the malicious programs. To check if any profiles are installed on your computer:

1. Open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu.
2. Search for the “Profiles” icon. If no Profiles icon is found, you don’t have any profiles installed.
3. If a Profiles icon is present, click on it and remove any suspicious profiles by pressing the – (minus) button.

Step 2: Delete Malicious Apps

In this step, we will identify and remove any malicious apps and files that may be installed on your computer. Follow these instructions:

1. Quit any suspicious or unknown programs running in the background.
2. Open the “Finder” application from your dock.
3. Click on “Applications” in the Finder left pane.
4. Find and remove any suspicious apps by right-clicking and selecting “Move to Trash.”
5. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the malicious app.
6. Search for and remove any suspicious files in the following directories: /Library/LaunchAgents, ~/Library/LaunchAgents, /Library/Application Support, and /Library/LaunchDaemons.

Step 3: Reset Browsers to Default Settings

UpperTheory often modifies browser settings. Resetting your browsers to their default settings can help remove any unwanted changes. Follow these steps for each browser you have installed:

Safari Browser

1. Open Safari and go to “Preferences” from the Safari menu.
2. Check your homepage and change it if necessary.
3. Click on the “Extensions” tab and uninstall any suspicious extensions.
4. Remove spam notifications by going to Preferences > Websites > Notifications and deselecting “Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications.”
5. Clear all data stored by websites by going to Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data and clicking “Remove All.”
6. Empty Safari caches by enabling the Develop menu in Preferences > Advanced, then selecting Develop > Empty Caches.

Chrome for Mac Browser

1. Open Chrome and go to “Settings” from the menu.
2. Click on “Reset and Cleanup” in the left sidebar.
3. Select “Reset settings to their original defaults” and confirm the reset.
4. (Optional) Reset Chrome Data Sync by navigating to chrome.google.com/sync and clicking “Clear Data.”

Firefox for Mac Browser

1. Open Firefox and go to “Help” from the menu.
2. Click on “Troubleshooting Information.”
3. Click on “Refresh Firefox” and confirm the reset.

Conclusion

Removing UpperTheory adware from your Mac requires a thorough approach. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can eliminate the adware and restore your browser settings to their default state. Remember to stay vigilant when downloading software and always use trusted sources. Regularly scanning your Mac with reputable antivirus software can help prevent future infections.