How To Remove PublicAnalog Adware On Mac [Simple Guide]

Adware can be frustrating and intrusive, especially when it disrupts your online activities with unwanted ads and redirects.

PublicAnalog, a known adware app, is no exception. If you suspect that your Mac has been compromised by PublicAnalog, this guide will walk you through removing it and restoring your system’s security.

What is PublicAnalog adware?

PublicAnalog is a variant of the AdLoad adware.

Like other adware, it is designed to infiltrate your system and generate revenue for its developers by displaying intrusive advertisements, redirecting web traffic, and exposing users to potentially harmful content.

It may also alter browser settings, degrade your Mac’s performance, and compromise your online security.

Adware like PublicAnalog often infiltrates systems through misleading websites, software bundles, or fake updates. It can also abuse push notification bait to trick users into granting permissions for unwanted actions.

How adware impacts your online security

Adware such as PublicAnalog does more than just display annoying ads. It poses significant risks to your online safety by:

• Exposing you to malicious content: Rogue advertisements may lead you to phishing websites or malware downloads.
• Tracking your online activities: Adware often collects sensitive information, such as browsing history and search queries, which can be sold to third parties.
• Installing additional threats: Some adware programs act as gateways for more harmful malware, worsening your system’s vulnerability.

How to remove PublicAnalog adware on Mac

Removing PublicAnalog requires a thorough cleanup of your system. Follow these detailed steps to ensure complete removal:

1. Remove PublicAnalog from Applications

1. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
2. Look for any suspicious applications, including PublicAnalog or similar unknown names.
3. Right-click the application and select Move to Trash.
4. Empty the Trash by right-clicking and selecting Empty Trash.

2. Clean up residual files from system directories

1. Open Finder, click Go in the menu bar, and select Go to Folder.
2. Enter the following directories one by one and delete suspicious files or folders:
   • /Library/LaunchAgents/
   • /Library/Application Support/
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • /Library/StartupItems/
3. Look for files associated with PublicAnalog and delete them.
4. Empty the Trash.

3. Reset your browsers

Reset Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
3. Scroll down and select Reset settings.
4. Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

Reset Safari

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari in the menu bar and select Settings.
3. Go to the Extensions tab and uninstall any suspicious extensions.
4. Navigate to the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data to remove all stored data.

Reset Firefox

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the menu button in the top-right corner and select Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
3. Click Refresh Firefox.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Refresh Firefox again.

4. Delete unwanted configuration profiles

1. Open System Settings and go to General > Device Management.
2. Look for any unknown profiles and select them.
3. Click the minus button to remove them and enter your admin password if prompted.

5. Clean your Mac from adware with SpyHunter

For a complete cleanup and protection against future threats, use SpyHunter, a fully-featured anti-malware tool.

1. Download the app from hereDownload the app from here and install it by following the instructions on the screen.
2. Launch the SpyHunter application and run a full system scan.
3. Review the scan results window.

4. Proceed with the automatic cleanup procedure.

Useful tips to avoid adware

Prevention is key to keeping your Mac safe from adware. Follow these tips to minimize your risk:

• Avoid downloading software from unverified sources.
• Be cautious when installing free software; always opt for custom installation to deselect unwanted programs.
• Regularly update macOS and installed applications to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Use a reputable antivirus program like SpyHunter for real-time protection.
• Be vigilant when browsing; avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links.