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Key Points:
- The adware installed and downloaded by Shlayer forces advertising into Mac’s browser and can even intercept browser searches to modify the results to promote more ads.
- The Shlayer Virus infects through a disguised Flash Player update, opening infected links or ads, downloading untrustworthy files or software, and clicking masked links via a loose network of the virus’ distributors.
- Some top antivirus software for Mac users include: Total AV, Scan Guard, McAfee, Bitdefender, Norton, Avast, AVG, Malwarebytes, and Kapersky.
What is the Shlayer Virus?
©Krisda/Shutterstock.com
Shlayer is a trojan virus specifically targeted toward Mac systems. Its primary function is to download malicious code via fake applications and flash updates. Once the Shlayer virus is installed on a system, it begins to download and install malware focused on the proliferation of ads, otherwise known as adware. The adware installed and downloaded by Shlayer forces advertising into Mac’s browser and can even intercept browser searches to modify the results to promote more ads.
The trojan adware installer was highlighted by antivirus firm Kaspersky in 2019. Kaspersky claims that the Shlayer virus made up 29% of all macOS device attacks by malicious code in its telemetry for the year. With such a high rate of infection, Shlayer is said to have been the number one malware threat to Mac devices for the year. Interestingly, Shlayer is not a worm that propagates itself to systems. Rather, it is an older type of malicious code that gains access by tempting Mac users to install it through nefarious means.
This traditional technique has been used by hackers since the early days of the internet. Flash Player exploits have long been known to be a key Achilles’ heel for cybersecurity. The success Shlayer has found on Mac devices is directly related to its simplicity. For a long time, Apple has claimed that Macs are impervious to malware, viruses, and other malicious code. It was one of the largest selling points for their devices. Due to this assurance by Apple, Mac users have set aside their safety concerns of their machine getting any type of infection.
As a result, they are more likely to trust malicious and clever attempts by hackers to tempt Mac users into installing untrustworthy software through Flash Player updates, phishing emails with links or attachments, infected websites, and affiliated links by content creators on some of the world’s most used websites like YouTube.
Once the Shlayer virus has been installed on Macs by a careless user, it is difficult to get rid of.
Adware Installed by Shlayer:
- AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero
- AdWare.OSX.Geonei
- AdWare.OSX.Pirrit
- AdWare.OSX.Cimpli
How Does the Shlayer Virus Work?
The Shlayer virus uses one of the oldest and favorite techniques of hackers. Instead of an automated process that proliferates on its own, it requires that users download the virus of their free will. Hackers get users to do this by disguising the download as a necessary function or desired software. The most common method is through a disguised Flash Player update. Other infection methods include opening infected links or ads, downloading untrustworthy files or software, and clicking one of the many masked links pushed by a loose network of the virus’ distributors.
The creators of the Shlayer trojan have increased their reach by offering YouTubers, website owners, and Wikipedia editors a percentage of gains created by malicious advertisements for pushing their viewers to install the trojan through whatever means they deem necessary. In some cases, complicit domains can even prompt Macs to download Shlayer as a fake Flash update or install. Kaspersky reports that more than 1,000 partner sites distribute Shlayer with one instance of an individual who owns 700 domains that redirect to Shlayer download pages.
Once Shlayer has been installed, it begins to do its intended work. The Shlayer trojan itself is a vehicle to deliver other malware. Its payloads typically include malicious adware. One of the most known payloads is Cimpli. Cimpli is an adware that is usually disguised as a Safari browser extension such as Any Search. It can intercept your search results and seed them with specific ads.
Shlayer is not a virus intended to damage Macs, but instead is a malevolent attempt at gathering advertisement money. By accruing popup ads and seeding search results with ad links, hackers generate an enormous amount of advertisement funds. While the exact amount of money made this way is unknown, the effects are enough to keep the network of affiliates who distribute the software operating.
Symptoms of a Shlayer Virus Infection
Shlayer is such a simple piece of malicious code that there are no detectable symptoms of infection. Mac users with an eye for safety will need to make use of antivirus software to scan, detect, and remove the trojan.
While Shlayer itself has no detectable symptoms, Mac users can look out for the symptoms of the payloads it installs. As this cybersecurity threat is mostly used to install adware, the obvious sign that your device has been infected is an unusual number of advertisements. Pop-ups are not typical of modern trusted websites, and neither is Flash.
Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Heavy amount of advertisement pop-ups
- Unusual search results filled with advertisements
- Safari extensions that were not intentionally added by the user
©rawf8/Shutterstock.com
How to Get Rid of the Shlayer Virus
As previously stated, it can be difficult for an inexperienced user to remove Shlayer and other malware. This is by design. Hackers create their code so that the effects are not easily detectable. The best method to get rid of the Shlayer virus and other malware is to use trusted antivirus software. Software firms like Malwarebytes, Kaspersky, Avast, AVG, Norton, and Total AV are cybersecurity experts. Their experience with malware and the way it operates gives them an edge in detecting, preventing, and removing malware.
With the world connected to the internet, the proliferation of malware is always going to be a problem. Exploits are found every day, and hackers jump at the chance to take advantage of them for personal gain or even fun. You may consider yourself to be an IT expert, but there is always someone better. Don’t leave your Mac unprotected in a growing internet-connected world.
Every computer user should learn and practice safe online interactions. For the Shlayer virus, the best practice to always keep in mind is to be suspicious of external downloads, emails, bad links, and similar strategies. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is.
Here are some internet safety practices that help you keep your Mac safe from the most popular cybersecurity concerns:
- Use creative and secure passwords
- Don’t use the same password for every website
- Be suspicious of downloads, pop-ups, and emails
- Keep an eye on cybersecurity news and trends
- Back up your device’s data
- Update your software through traditional means only
- Secure your wireless connections
- Keep an active antivirus software or subscription
- Avoid any Flash Player pop-ups
The Best Antivirus Software for the Shlayer Virus
The best method for the prevention of the Shlayer virus is the use of trusted antivirus software. Regardless of Apple’s claims that Macs are safety focused and impervious to malware, Mac users have become a major target of cybersecurity concerns. Even though the Shlayer virus has been primarily used for financial gain through advertisements, its method for installing unwanted payloads can easily be transitioned to much more nefarious means like keyloggers, remote access, and more.
The good news is that the Shlayer virus does rely on a simplistic method which makes it easily detectable by the most common antivirus software available. These services are a great method for malware prevention, especially when the effects of malware are difficult to detect by the untrained eye. While it is always recommended for anyone who interacts online to practice good habits and be wary of bad actors, good antivirus software can make malware prevention easy.
If you believe your Mac has already contracted malicious software such as Shlayer, it isn’t the best idea to attempt to find and get rid of it by yourself. Finding every part of a hacker’s code is often intentionally difficult. The best way to remove every aspect of the Shlayer virus is to leave it to the professionals.
Here are the top recommendations for antivirus software for Mac users:
- Total AV
- Scan Guard
- McAfee
- Bitdefender
- Norton
- Avast
- AVG
- Malwarebytes
- Kaspersky
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