You’re working on your Mac in peace, and all of a sudden, you get a pop-up saying “ReceiverHelper will damage your computer”. “What’s that and how could it damage my computer?” That’s your reaction.
Hold on and don’t panic. We’ve got you covered, and this is just a pesky Malware that can be removed in minutes. This guide will be your roadmap to not just removing this pesky intruder but ensuring it doesn’t make a comeback.
Let’s tackle this head-on, with easy steps every Mac user can follow, even if you’re not tech savvy.
Basic Overview About ReceiverHelper
You should have a basic understanding of this malware to keep your Mac safe and secure before removing it.
What Exactly Is ReceiverHelper?
ReceiverHelper is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that can take a toll on your Mac’s performance. It is mainly tweaking “your homepage, new tab settings, and default search engine” that leads you astray to unreliable search engines.
How Did ReceiverHelper Get on My Mac?
No, there are not many ways it gets on your Mac. Mostly it sneaks with the below 5 ways.
- Bundled with free software downloads, hiding within the installation process.
- Clicking on deceptive ads that mimic legitimate software updates or downloads.
- Visiting compromised websites that silently install unwanted programs.
- Opening email attachments from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
- Through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing services without proper scrutiny
How To Identify Receiver Helper On My Mac?
Spotting Receiver Helper on your Mac isn’t as daunting as it seems. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs to confirm its unwelcome presence.
- Frequent pop-up ads and unexpected redirects while browsing.
- Changes to your default homepage or search engine without consent.
- Unusual system performance issues, such as slowing down or freezing.
- Unknown applications installed without your knowledge.
- Security alerts and warnings that don’t seem to originate from any software you installed.
- Browser extensions or toolbars appear out of nowhere.
What’s The Best Way To Remove Receiver Helper Threat Alerts?
There are two parts to getting rid of the ReceiverHelper Threat Alerts removal from your Mac.
- Part 1: Resolving the damage and removing the alerts.
- Part 2: Removing the virus itself from the root of your Mac.
Let’s start with the virus.
Part 1: Resolving the Damage and Removing The Alerts
Nowadays, automation tools are very powerful, efficient, and time saver. So, if you’re not good at tech don’t worry.
We’ll introduce 2 third-party tools and how to use them to resolve the damage and remove the alerts. One would be free, another a premium tool for faster execution.
The entire process will take you 5-10 minutes.
Tool 1: Avast
Avast Security for Mac stands out as a robust defender against the likes of Receiver Helper and other sophisticated malware targeting Mac systems.
- Its in-depth scanning feature goes beyond surface-level threats.
- It offers you a thorough examination to root out malware.
- It’ll even enhance your Mac’s overall security posture.
Tool 2: Mac Premium Bundle X9
Mac Premium Bundle X9 is a favorite tool among Mac users who prefer a paid tool rather than free.
Its aim is to shield your devices from threats like ReceiverHelper and others. This suite is more than just an antivirus. It’s a comprehensive care package for your Mac.
- It offers a multi-layered defense strategy for malware, adware, and more.
- It cleans up your Mac, removes unwanted files, and optimizes performance.
- Ensures your digital privacy is intact by protecting your online activities.
How To Remove Receiver Helper From Mac With Automation Tool?
Removing Receiver Helper from your Mac using an automation tool is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get rid of this unwanted software with avast.com.
Note: You can use Mac Premium Bundle X9, in that case, the steps will be the same. Since, avast is free, we choose it considering most of the Mac users.
Step 1: Download and Install Avast for Mac
Visit avast.com and download Avast. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
Step 2: Run Avast Security
Once installed, open Avast from your Applications folder. You might need to grant permission for Avast to access your disk for a thorough scan. Follow any on-screen instructions to enable these permissions.
Step 3: Initiate a Full System Scan
In the Avast interface, look for the option to perform a “Full System Scan” or a similar comprehensive scan option. Start the scan to allow it to search your Mac for any instances of ReceiverHelper and other malware or viruses.
Step 4: Review Scan Results
After the scan is completed, review the scan results. It will list any malware or unwanted programs it has found, including ReceiverHelper. You can see details about detected threats and decide on the appropriate action for each.
Step 5: Remove ReceiverHelper
If ReceiverHelper is listed among the detected threats, you can remove it directly through Avast.
There will be a “Resolve” or “Delete” option next to the detected threat. Select the action you wish to take for ReceiverHelper.
Choosing “Delete” will remove the malware from your Mac.
Step 6: Perform a Follow-Up Scan
After removing ReceiverHelper, it’s a good idea to run another scan to ensure all components of the malware are eliminated.
Repeat the scanning process to check for any lingering threats.
Part 2: Removing The Virus Itself From The Root of Your Mac
If you love to remove the virus itself from the root of your mac in a traditional way, then follow the below 16 steps guide. Yes, it’s a lengthy process and requires your patience and a bit of technical knowledge.
But don’t fret, we’ll attach screenshots for your convenience. So that you can follow the guide with ease.
Here’s the steps of how to get rid of Receiver Helper manually
Step 1: Dive into ‘Utilities’
Access ‘Utilities’ through your Mac’s Finder bar. Simply click on ‘Finder’, select ‘Go’, and then ‘Utilities’.
Step 2: Launch the Activity Monitor
Open ‘Activity Monitor’ from within ‘Utilities’. This crucial tool lays out all active processes on your Mac, allowing you to spot anomalies.
Step 3: Hunt for Odd Processes
Within ‘Activity Monitor’, examine each process. Look for anything that doesn’t seem to belong. Receiver Helper might not stand out at first glance, so scrutinize closely.
Step 4: Terminate Suspicious Processes
Found something unusual? Select it and hit the ‘Stop’ button, followed by ‘Force Quit’. This stops the process immediately, preventing further impact on your Mac.
Step 5: Utilize ‘Go to Folder’
Back in Finder, employ the ‘Go to Folder’ option (Shortcut: Command-Shift-G) for a targeted search in system directories.
Step 6: Inspect ‘/Library/LaunchAgents’
Enter ‘/Library/LaunchAgents’. This directory often harbors malware files. Scrutinize for any file that seems recently added or out of place.
Step 7: Clear Out ‘LaunchAgents’
Delete any suspicious files you find in ‘LaunchAgents’. It’s crucial to err on the side of caution and remove anything you don’t recognize.
Step 8 : Check ‘~/Library/Application Support’
Navigate to ‘~/Library/Application Support’ using ‘Go to Folder’. Like with ‘LaunchAgents’, you’re on the lookout for unfamiliar or suspicious folders.
Step 9: : Re-examine ‘~/Library/LaunchAgents’
Revisit ‘~/Library/LaunchAgents‘. This spot deserves a second check to ensure no stone is left unturned in your search for Receiver Helper files.
Step 10: Investigate ‘/Library/LaunchDaemons‘
Use ‘Go to Folder’ to open /Library/LaunchDaemons. This directory is another common hiding spot for malicious files. Look carefully for anything that seems unusual or out of place.
Step 11: Clean ‘LaunchDaemons’
In ‘LaunchDaemons’, identify and remove any files that are suspicious or clearly not part of your Mac’s standard setup. Be vigilant and decisive in dragging them to the Trash.
Step 12: Applications Cleanup
Navigate to the ‘Applications’ folder via the ‘Go’ menu where many unwanted programs make themselves at home.
Step 13: Review Each Application
Go through each application. If you find apps that you did not install or that seem suspicious, drag them to the Trash. You might need your admin password for this.
Step 14: Audit Login Items
Open ‘System Preferences’, select ‘Users & Groups‘, then tab over to ‘Login Items’. Review the list for any applications that shouldn’t automatically start up with your Mac. Remove any unwelcome items.
Step 15: Examine ‘Profiles’
Still within ‘System Preferences’, locate and select ‘Profiles’. Look for any profiles that are unfamiliar or unnecessary. These can be stealthy places where malware, including Receiver Helper, hides its settings.
Step 16: Delete Malicious Profiles
Focus on removing any profiles that are linked to Receiver Helper or seem malicious. Select the suspicious profile and click the “-” (minus) button to remove it from your Mac.
Completing these steps thoroughly should help you manually remove Receiver Helper from your Mac.
Remove ReceiverHelper Malware Extensions From Bowsers
It’s unexpected that the alert again came back after removing the virus. But, it’ll come until you remove its root from your extension’s history.
So, this time we’ll show you how to fix the Receiver Helper Mac virus from the Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox extensions. Here’s it
Removing the Receiver Helper virus from Safari
First let’s tackle the Safari extension.
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences
Launch Safari. Navigate to the Safari menu and select ‘Preferences’ from where your clean-up operation begins.
Step 2: Adjust Advanced Settings
In the ‘Preferences’ window, click on the ‘Advanced’ tab. Look for the option ‘Show Develop menu in menu bar’ and enable it.
Step 3: Clear the Cache
With the ‘Develop’ menu now visible in your menu bar, click on it and select ‘Empty Caches’. It’ll remove the temporary files and data cluttering your Safari, giving it a much-needed refresh.
Step 4: Erase Browsing History
Head over to the ‘History’ menu in Safari and select ‘Clear History’ to eliminate all traces of your browsing history to remove any remnants of Receiver Helper.
Step 5: Confirm History Deletion
Safari will prompt you to specify the time range for clearing your history. For a comprehensive clean-up, choose ‘all history’ and then confirm by clicking ‘Clear History‘ to ensure no stone is left unturned in your browser’s clean-up process.
Step 6: Tweak Privacy Settings
Return to Safari Preferences and this time, navigate to the ‘Privacy’ tab. Click on ‘Manage Website Data’ to review the data stored by websites in your browser.
Step 7: Complete the Clean-Up
Within ‘Manage Website Data’, you’ll find a list of all sites that have stored data about your browsing activities. If you’re determined to start with a clean slate, click ‘Remove All’.
After completing this, restart Safari to apply all the changes.
Removing the Receiver Helper virus from Google Chrome
Now, it’s time to clean your chrome browser.
Step 1: Access Chrome Settings
Open Google Chrome and go to ‘Settings’
clicking on the three dots icon (⁝) at the top right corner that indicates ‘Customize and control Google Chrome’.
Step 2: Explore Advanced Settings
Within the ‘Settings’ menu, scroll down to the bottom and click on ‘Advanced’. Continue scrolling until you find the ‘Reset and clean up‘ section.
Step 3: Reset Chrome
Now, you’ll see an option for ‘Restore settings to their original defaults‘. Click on this to initiate the reset. Chrome will prompt you with a confirmation window detailing what will be reset. Confirm by clicking ‘Reset settings’ to clear all extensions, cookies, cache, and settings altered by Receiver Helper. But don’t worry, it won’t change your bookmarks and passwords.
Step 4: Post-Reset Review
After resetting, close Chrome and then reopen it to ensure all changes take effect. Now, take a moment to review Chrome for any lingering signs of Receiver Helper or other malware activities.
Removing the Receiver Helper virus from Mozilla Firefox
Last but not the least is your Mozilla Firefox extension.
Step 1: Open Troubleshooting Information
Start Mozilla Firefox and go to the ‘Help’ menu. From there, select ‘Troubleshooting Information’.
Alternatively, you can type “about:support” in the URL bar and press Enter. This action takes you directly to the page you need.
Step 2: Initiate Firefox Refresh
On the ‘Troubleshooting Information’ page, look for the ‘Refresh Firefox’ button on the right.
Step 3: Confirm Refresh and Restart
After you click ‘Refresh Firefox’, a confirmation window will pop up asking if you’re sure about this action.
Confirm to proceed. It’ll restart Firefox, eradicate any remnants of Receiver Helper, and restore your browser to a cleaner and safer state.
Once you remove the malware and clean all the extension history, no root of the Receiver Helper remains on your Mac.
How To Secure My Data from ReceiverHelper Malware Virus for Future Attacks?
Keeping your Mac safe from the ReceiverHelper malware virus means staying one step ahead.
Let’s dive into some smart habits to keep your data secure and your computing smooth.
- Update Everything: Keep your macOS and apps fresh with updates. These often fix security holes that malware could sneak through.
- Pick Strong Passwords: Use tough-to-crack passwords. Better yet, use a password manager to handle it for you.
- Download Wisely: Only download apps/software from places you can trust. It could be the official Mac App Store or directly from the developer’s site.
- Turn on the Firewall: Your Mac’s firewall is like a bouncer for your data. Make sure it’s on to keep out unwanted guests.
- Stay Sharp on Emails: Got a strange email? Think twice/ thrice before clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
- Back It Up: Regular backups with Time Machine or a cloud service mean you can always get back to a good place if something goes wrong.
- Learn and Share: Keep up with the latest on Mac security. The more you know, the safer you’ll be. And don’t keep it to yourself—spread the word!
FAQs
Is ReceiverHelper a Malware?
Yes, ReceiverHelper is classified as malware. As a malicious software, it can make unauthorized changes to system settings and show unwanted advertisements.
Is ReceiverHelper legit?
No, ReceiverHelper is not a legitimate software application that users should trust. Its main purpose is to serve ads and redirect search queries, compromising your browsing experience and potentially your privacy.
Will ReceiverHelper Damage my computer?
Directly, ReceiverHelper might not damage your computer’s hardware, but it can significantly degrade your system’s performance, security, and privacy. Its presence indicates a security risk that should be addressed promptly.
Conclusion
Hope you now have the right direction to address the “ReceiverHelper will damage your computer” Mac alert. Getting rid of a pesky pop- and taking back control of your digital life should be a smooth sail.
Remember, staying proactive, updating regularly, and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity are your best defenses. Keep our Mac safe, secure, and running smoothly, free from the grips of ReceiverHelper and its ilk.