Mac adware removal tool

Bitdefender has released the Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool to remove adware such as Genieo that can alter users’ search results, inject ads and monitor visited web sites.

The new removal tool for Macs quickly scans a user’s system for adware and its elements and if detected asks for permission to remove it. It then eradicates all traces of the software and resets browser settings that were changed by the adware, eliminating unwanted ads and modified default search results.

“Several Mac users have complained about nuisance toolbar issues,” states Catalin Cosoi, Chief Security Strategist at Bitdefender. “Our Adware Removal tool is designed to address those issues simply and efficiently. Even if the toolbars don’t pose an immediate danger to a user’s system or data, they can be an endless source of aggravation.”

Although adware-heavy software doesn’t technically constitute malware, it can often spread by means such as fake application installers and codecs. The removal tool so far recognizes and removes only Genieo; although Genieo comes with an uninstaller, users have regularly reported that it doesn’t work or it leaves active software behind.