OSXProtectCoin

OSXProtectCoin is a deceptive rogue website adware/browser hijacker that tricks macOS users into enabling browser notifications by mimicking CAPTCHA verification. Once enabled, it floods your browser with bogus alerts, fake virus warnings, tech support scams, and phishing redirects—posing real risks to your privacy and online security.

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Threat Overview

Category	Details
Threat type	Adware / Browser Hijacker
Associated domain	osx-protect.co.in (also referred to as OSXProtectCoin)
Detection names	OSXProtectCoin, rogue notification hijacker
Symptoms of infection	Persistent pop-ups urging “click Allow,” fake virus/system alerts, frequent browser redirections, unauthorized notifications
Damage & distribution	Annoying ad/push notifications, phishing redirect risk, deceptive alerts; distributed via compromised sites, clickbait ads, torrent/streaming redirects
Danger level	Moderate–High: Annoyance and social engineering risk; escalates to phishing/scam exposure
Removal tool	SpyHunter — SpyHunter can detect and block OSXProtectCoin and similar threats. Download here: https://www.enigmasoftware.com/products/spyhunter/?ref=ywuxmtf

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Detailed Analysis

How I Got Infected

You likely landed on OSXProtectCoin by visiting compromised or shady sites such as illegal streaming platforms or torrent pages, or by clicking deceptive ads. The malicious site then presents a fake CAPTCHA claiming suspicious activity. When you hit “Allow,” it gains permission to push notifications to your browser.

What It Does

After receiving permission, OSXProtectCoin relentlessly pushes unsolicited notifications. Common tactics include alarming messages that your computer is infected or urging you to renew antivirus licenses. These notifications often direct users to phishing sites or scams where attackers try to steal personal or financial information.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. While the initial impact is mostly nuisance-level, the deeper risk lies in the social engineering chain that leads to phishing attempts or fake tech support scams. Repeated exposure to these notifications increases the chance of inadvertently sharing sensitive data or downloading real malware.

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Recommendation

To effectively neutralize OSXProtectCoin:

1. Revoke browser notification permissions:
   • macOS Chrome/Safari/Firefox → Preferences → Notifications → Remove or block osx‑protect.co.in
2. Run a full scan using SpyHunter for Mac to detect and remove any lingering components.
3. Avoid shady websites and be cautious with CAPTCHA-style requests asking you to click “Allow.”

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

OSXProtectCoin may appear harmless, but granting it notification permissions can lead to phishing attacks and scam campaigns. It is not a traditional virus, but its notifications are designed to manipulate you. By revoking permissions and deploying SpyHunter, you can stop the relentless alerts and protect your system from further risks.