Receiver Helper virus

Receiver Helper virus is adware app that sneaks into Mac computers unnoticed

Receiver Helper is a potentially unwanted application goal of which is to install suspicious extensions on web browsers and display unwanted ads on all visited websites

Receiver Helper is a potentially unwanted application goal of which is to install suspicious extensions on web browsers and display unwanted ads on all visited websites

Receiver Helper is a potentially unwanted application designed to infiltrate macOS or Mac OS X computers. It performs a variety of changes on the system, which vary from machine to machine, although a universal sign of the infection is a pop-up message that users see regularly – “Receiver Helper will damage your computer.” These unwanted programs are typically installed unintentionally via a software bundle downloaded from a third-party site, or after users get tricked by a fake Flash Player update prompt.

Besides that, Receiver Helper virus may also change web browser settings of Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser, as well as install unknown extensions. These are typically difficult to eliminate unless a browser reset is performed. However, this is just one of a few steps for a full Receiver Helper virus removal.

While Receiver Helper is technically not a “virus” but a potentially unwanted application, users might refer to it by using the former term. The reason for this is a mysterious behavior that they observe on macOS computers, as well as web browsers. The main culprit of this behavior is an adware that is typically distributed in deceptive ways, so users rarely notice its point of entry.

Fake Flash Player updates are known to deliver a variety of unwanted applications and malware like Shlayer Trojan to users.^[1] Threat actors behind these scams rely on social engineering and vast popularity of now outdated plugin in order to make users install unwanted software on their machines. After that, users may start receiving the Receiver Helper virus alerts, and notice other browser behavior, such as:

• Pop-ups, deals, offers, banners, coupons, and other commercial content on all visited websites.
• Changed homepage, new tab address, and the search engine of the web browser.
• Unwanted extensions installed without permission and are difficult to eliminate.
• Slowdown on the web browser and struggle to load some of the visited pages.

The Receiver Helper popups inform users about the following:

“helper” will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.

Report malware to Apple to protect other users

Move to Trash     Cancel

While some might believe that these notifications are impostors, it is not the case (although it is not impossible, it is highly unlikely). You can encounter fake Mac pop-ups when using the web via your browser – it might imitate legitimate prompts. However, these fake notifications usually ask users to download some type of app or disclose their personal information. Ultimately, it is the goal of Receiver Helper, although the prompts are legitimate warnings that are sent to users since the Catalina version was released.

Receiver Helper virus is a malicious application that users typically install after being tricked by fake Flash update prompts

Receiver Helper virus is a malicious application that users typically install after being tricked by fake Flash update prompts

To remove Receiver Helper virus from your computer, you will have to detect and eliminate a potentially unwanted application. In most cases, the associated app is called “Receiver Helper,” although scareware^[2] apps like Mac Cleanup Pro or Advanced Mac Cleaner are also known to insert unwanted files into the computer.

The Receiver Helper pop-ups are typically triggered because these files are trying to run a background script, which would create a new startup item each time – this is prevented by Mac’s built-in security measures.

The main goal of the Receiver Helper virus is to deliver users advertisements and also make them install other potentially unwanted applications. As a result, all visited websites are filled with ads that show scam messages, such as “Your system is infected with 3 viruses,” or “Adobe Flash Player is out of date,” and many others.

Therefore, it is important to eliminate the Receiver Helper infection as soon as possible, as the possibility of getting scammed online rises the longed you keep in installed on the system. To do that, you can scan your machine with anti-malware software and reset the installed web browsers.

You can also attempt to get rid of the Receiver Helper virus manually as per the instructions provided below. Finally, if your macOS still runs slow after, you can employ Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or another optimization tool to get rid of junk and other unwanted files.

Do not download Adobe Flash Player and try to stick to App Store

App Store currently holds more than 1.8 million apps, so there is plenty to choose from. Nonetheless, if you still decide that you want to download apps from third parties, you should be aware that these installers often include optional components that are not always visible. To avoid these programs, follow these simple tips from industry experts:^[3]

• Ensure that the app you are trying to download is not deceptive itself – check out reviews, blog posts, IT forums, etc.
• Every app should provide adequate documents during the installation, such as Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, so make sure that they are valid.
• When prompted, always pick Advanced or Custom installation settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones.
• Watch out for various tricks: pre-ticked boxes, fine print text, misplaced buttons, deceptive deals, and others.
• Employ anti-malware software that is proficient in potentially unwanted program detection – it can warn you before the installation takes place.

Besides third-party installers, there are also scams that can be encountered on numerous websites while browsing the web. As evident, it is best staying away from sites that promise pirated content for free, as it immediately results in malware infection.

Talking about scams – don’t believe anyone claims within your web browser that your computer is infected with malware, or that you need to update Flash. In the case of the former, malware can only be detected by an application that acquired special permission on your machine to perform in-depth scans – this is the job of anti-malware software or built-in Mac defenses. Finally, Flash Player, even a legitimate version, is no longer required by regular users, since the technology was replaced with another one since 2014.

Receiver Helper tries to start new instances of startup items, triggering warnings from macOS

Receiver Helper tries to start new instances of startup items, triggering warnings from macOS

Receiver Helper virus removal guide

As previously mentioned, Receiver Helper virus removal highly depends on what application is hiding behind the unwanted activity on the device. Additionally, there might by other apps that are installed without your knowledge. Therefore, if you are unsure about this, or you recently was tricked into installing a fake Flash update, you should immediately scan your Mac with a reputable anti-malware, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

Nevertheless, if you are confident that you did not install any malicious software, you can remove Receiver Helper virus manually. Access the full list of the installed apps and move the culprit to the Trash bin. However, you should also check the following locations for suspicious .plist and other files that you should delete:

Library/LaunchAgents
Library/Application Support
Library/LaunchDaemons

Finally, you should also reset all the installed web browsers in case you noticed any changes, such as altered homepage pr unfamiliar extensions installed without your permission. You can find the instructions below. 

You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.