ExpandedSystem is a Mac adware that normally spreads via malicious software bundles including freeware, pirated apps, and bogus software update. Once it is inside the computer, users are going to experience various kinds of distractions including excessive display of pop-up advertisements and browser redirects. Behind this visible signs is the ability of ExpandedSystem app to gather several data on the browser whether it is stored locally or while user is on browsing session.
How ExpandedSystem infects Mac?
We can confirm just by looking at the icon and interface alone that ExpandedSystem is very much identical to VibeProfile, AdjustableRotator, and so on. It is because, they are one and the same adware that attackers keep on reproducing over the years. Having said that, the way to spread ExpandedSystem is adopted from the earlier version and was observed to be leaning more on the following schemes:
Malicious software bundles – Attackers are incorporating ExpandedSystem app to different freeware and shareware. They host these applications to file repositories that Mac user commonly visits. When downloaded and installed, ExpandedSystem likewise loads on the browser even without authorization.
Fake software update – Web users commonly encounter this type of approach to spread malware. Pop-up ads often portray as system alert prompting online user to download necessary software update. Unfortunately, it will install ExpandedSystem or any adware of some sort when executed.
Misleading advertisements – The least that attackers can employ to spread the adware over the internet is by exhibiting deceiving ads claiming that ExpandedSystem is a useful browser extension that improves online browsing and searching experience of user.
What it means to you?
With the mentioned spread tactics, it only means that every online user are at risk of acquiring ExpandedSystem app if browsing is not confined only to legitimate and clean websites. Thus, it is highly recommended to stay away from common sources of this threat like aggressive pop-up advertisements, pirated software, malicious websites, and any sites that are involve in distributing illegal copies of software, videos, movies, and music files.
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, better be wise while online and never fall into the tricks of cyber hoodlums whether they are offering attractive apps or enhancement tools. Once you find the site or pop-up suspicious, better cease the internet program and scan the computer with anti-virus or anti-malware tools to check if malicious objects have gotten inside the computer during the encounter.
How to avoid ExpandedSystem?
After removing the unwanted program from Mac computer, the next thing to do is to make sure that the same contamination will never happen again.
Avoiding adware, malware, or computer virus boils down to single logic and that is to apply the safest routine while online. As mentioned, staying away from the usual sources of adware or any form of computer threats is still the first line of defense against online attacks. In addition, beware of questionable email messages that contain attachment. It might have harmful executable file. To be safe, scan the attached file before opening.
Above all, having a decent security program completes the fight against infection. Be sure to have an anti-virus or anti-malware that provides real-time protection to block malicious internet connections and impede the downloading of malicious objects.
Procedures to Remove ExpandedSystem from Mac
This area contains comprehensive procedures to help you remove adware and potentially unwanted program from the computer.
Guide on this page are written in a manner that can be easily understand and execute by Mac users.
Quick Fix - Scan the Mac Computer with Combo Cleaner
Combo Cleaner is a trusted Mac utility application with complete antivirus and optimization features. It is useful in dealing with adware, malware, and PUP's. Moreover, it can get rid of adware like ExpandedSystem. You may need to purchase full version if you require to maximize its premium features.
1. Download the tool from the following page:
2. Double-click the downloaded file and proceed with the installation.
3. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon onto your Applications folder icon.
4. Open your Launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon.
5. Wait until antivirus downloads its latest virus definition updates and click on "Start Combo Scan" to start removing ExpandedSystem.
6. Free features of Combo Cleaner include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus and privacy scanner, users have to upgrade to a premium version.
Proceed with the rest of the removal steps if you are comfortable in manually removing malicious objects associated with the threat.
Step 1 : Delete ExpandedSystem from Mac Applications
1. Go to Finder.
2. On the menu, click Go and then, select Applications from the list to open Applications Folder.
3. Find ExpandedSystem or any unwanted program or suspicious item. It could be in disguise as a different file.
4. Drag ExpandedSystem to Trash Bin to delete the application from Mac.
5. Right-click on Trash icon and click on Empty Trash.
Step 2 : Remove Browser Extensions that belongs to ExpandedSystem
1. Locate the add-on or extension that is relevant to the adware. To do this, please follow the following depending on affected browser.
Safari - Choose Preferences from the Safari menu, then click the Extensions icon. This will open a window showing all installed extensions.
Chrome - Select Preferences from the Chrome menu, and then click the Extensions link found on the left pane.
Firefox - Choose Add-ons from the Menu. Look at both the Extensions and Plug-ins lists when it opens a new window.
2. Once you have located ExpandedSystem, click on Remove or Uninstall, to get rid of it.
3. Close the browser and proceed to the next steps.
Step 3 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed ExpandedSystem
1. Select and copy the string below to your Clipboard by pressing Command + C on your keyboard.
~/Library/LaunchAgents
2. Go to your Finder. From the menu bar please select Go > Go to Folder...
3. Press Command + V on your keyboard to paste the copied string. Press Return to go to the said folder.
4. You will now see a folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:
- com.ExpandedSystem
- unknown.download.plist
- unknown.ltvbit.plist
- unknown.update.plist
The term unknown is just a representation of the actual malware name. Attackers may masks the actual name with following:
- Expanded System App
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing ExpandedSystem to be present on your Mac. Arranging all items to see the most latest ones may also help you identify recently installed unfamiliar files. Please press Option + Command + 4 on your keyboard to arrange the application list in chronological order.
Important: Take note of all the suspicious files as you may also delete the same item on another folder as we go on.
5. Drag all suspicious files that you may find to Trash.
6. Please restart the computer.
7. Open another folder using the same method as above. Copy and Paste the following string to easily locate the folder.
~/Library/Application Support
8. Look for any suspicious items that are similar to the ones in Step 4. Drag them to the Trash.
9. Repeat the process on the following non-hidden folders (without ~):
/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/Application Support
10. Lastly, go to your Finder and open the Applications Folder. Look for subfolders with the following names and drag them to Trash.
- Expanded System App
Optional : For locked files that cannot be removed, do the following:
1. Go to Launchpad, Utilities folder, open Activity Monitor.
2. Select the process you want to quit.
3. Click on Force Quit button.
4. You may now delete or remove locked files that belongs to ExpandedSystem adware.
Step 4 : Double-check with MBAM Tool for Mac
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac from this link:
2. Run Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac. It will check for updates and download if most recent version is available. This is necessary in finding recent malware threats including ExpandedSystem.
3. If it prompts to close all running web browser, please do so. Thus, we advise you to PRINT this guide for your reference before going offline.
4. Once it opens the user interface, please click on Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.
5. After the scan, Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac will display a list of identified threats, ExpandedSystem is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click Remove button to clean the computer.
Step 5 : Remove ExpandedSystem from Homepage and Search
Safari
- Open your Safari browser.
- Go to Safari Menu located on upper left hand corner, and then select Preferences.
- Under General tab, navigate to Default Search Engine section and select Google or any valid search engine.
- Next, be sure that "New Windows Open With" field is set to Homepage.
- Lastly, remove ExpandedSystem from the Homepage field. Replace it with your preferred URL to be set as your default homepage.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome browser.
- Type the following on the address bar and press Enter on keyboard : chrome://settings/
- Look for 'On Startup' area.
- Select 'Open a specific page or set of pages'.
- Click on More Actions and select Edit.
- Enter the desired web address as your home page, replacing ExpandedSystem. Click Save.
- To set default search engine, go to Search Engine area.
- Click on 'Manage search engines...' button.
- Go to questionable Search Engine. Click on More Actions and Click 'Remove from list'.
- Go back to Search Engine area and choose valid entry from Search engine used in the address bar.
Mozilla Firefox
- Run Mozilla Firefox browser.
- Type the following on the address bar and hit Enter on keyboard : about:preferences
- On Startup area, select 'Show your home page' under 'When Firefox starts' field.
- Under Home Page field, type the desired URL to replace ExpandedSystem settings.
- To configure default search engine, select Search on left sidebar to display settings.
- Under Default Search Engine list, please select one.
- On the same page, you have an option to Remove unwanted search engine.
Optional : If unable to change browser settings, execute these steps:
Some user complains that there is no way to change browser settings because it is grayed out by ExpandedSystem. In such situation, it is important to check if there is unwanted profile. Please do the following:
1. Quit any running applications and launch System Preferences from your Dock.
2. Under System Preferences, click Profiles.
3. Select ExpandedSystem or any relevant profile from the left pane. See image below.
4. At the bottom of this window, click minus [-] button to delete the account. Please refer to image above.
5. Close the Profiles window and open the affected browser to change all settings associated with ExpandedSystem.
