Officialize.app Mac Virus

Officialize.app is a deceptive application that targets macOS systems and is known for generating intrusive ads and making unauthorized changes to system settings. Closely related to the aggressive Pirrit adware family, this app threatens both user privacy and overall system performance.

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Threat Overview

Officialize.app is classified as adware and a potentially unwanted application (PUA). It invades systems through software bundles or fake updates and once installed, hijacks browsers, alters default settings, and floods users with unwanted advertisements. The program often operates silently in the background, making it difficult for users to identify its presence until symptoms worsen.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA)
Associated Domain	N/A
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-CH [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BP), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), others
Symptoms of Infection	– Intrusive pop-up ads – Browser redirects – Sluggish system performance – Unauthorized changes to browser settings
Damage & Distribution	– Alters browser configurations – Collects browsing data – Distributes via software bundling, fake updates, and malicious websites
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

Officialize.app typically spreads through:

• Software Bundling: Hidden within free applications downloaded from unreliable sources.
• Fake Software Updates: Especially disguised as Adobe Flash Player or similar system tools.
• Malicious Redirects: Web pages that automatically download the app when visited.
• Rogue Browser Extensions: Add-ons that install additional unwanted software components.

What Does It Do?

Once installed, Officialize.app:

• Bombards users with pop-ups, banners, and in-text ads.
• Redirects search results to advertising-driven or potentially harmful pages.
• Changes browser settings, such as homepage, search engine, and new tab page.
• Tracks user behavior, including IP address, search history, and websites visited.
• Slows down Mac performance due to resource consumption and background processes.

Should You Be Concerned?

Yes — Officialize.app is more than an inconvenience. It compromises user privacy, reduces system efficiency, and increases the risk of secondary malware infections through misleading ads and redirects. Immediate removal is strongly advised to prevent further harm and restore your Mac’s stability.

Manual Adware Removal for Mac

Step 1: Identify and Uninstall Suspicious Applications

1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
2. Look for any unknown or suspicious apps.
3. Drag these apps to the Trash and empty it.
4. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
5. Remove any unfamiliar startup items by selecting them and clicking the - button.

Step 2: Remove Malicious Browser Extensions

Safari

1. Open Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.
2. Identify and remove any unwanted extensions.
3. Go to History > “Clear History” and select “All History.”

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome, click Menu (three dots) > Extensions.
2. Remove any suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click Menu > Add-ons and themes.
2. Remove any unrecognized extensions.
3. Reset Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > “Refresh Firefox.”

Step 3: Delete Adware-Related Files and Folders

1. Open Finder, press Shift + Command + G, and type:
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
2. Look for and delete suspicious files or folders associated with adware.

Step 4: Flush DNS Cache

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
3. Enter your administrator password when prompted.

Step 5: Restart Your Mac

Restart your device to finalize the manual removal process.

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Automatic Adware Removal Using SpyHunter for Mac

For a quick and thorough cleanup, use SpyHunter, a powerful tool designed to detect and remove adware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter for Mac from the official website: Download SpyHunter Here.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag and drop SpyHunter into the Applications folder.
3. Open SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

Step 3: Perform a System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click Start Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Click Fix Threats to remove any detected adware.

Step 4: Restart Your Mac

After SpyHunter removes all threats, restart your Mac to complete the process.

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Conclusion

Officialize.app poses a serious threat to macOS users, combining persistent advertising tactics with potential data collection. Its connection to the Pirrit adware family highlights its aggressive nature. Users experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms should take action immediately. Use trusted security tools like SpyHunter to eliminate this threat and protect your system.