Moon Browser is an unwanted internet program that was made in the code of Chromium. Instead of being a useful application, it was observed that this browser is involved in different anomalies, including the use of unwanted search engine at Feed.moonbrowser.com. Apart from that, the entry of Moon Browser on the computer is also doubtful because the majority of Mac users who came across this program are unaware of its origin. Meaning, they do not authorize its installation.
Source of Moon Browser infection
Mac users who are fond of downloading freeware or shareware are the main target of individuals behind Moon Browser. They incorporate the code to several freeware and hosts them on different file-download websites. Moreover, browser pop-ups and redirects could lead the browser to a suspicious sites that can instantly download and install Moon Browser on the Mac computer using several deceitful tactics.
Fake software updates that are masked as Adobe or Google Chrome is noted as another channel that can help Moon Browser infiltrate the Mac computer. So, to avoid this kind of intrusion, Mac users should only download software update from official sites.
The MoonBrowser Search homepage
Once this unwanted program has penetrated the computer, Mac users will witness a sudden and unexpected changes on the default browser settings. Instead of the usual Google, Safari, or Firefox, MoonBrowser Search will open up to facilitate the online browsing of internet user. This takeover by the MoonBrowser Search will persist as long as the code and misconfiguration remain on the Mac computer. Therefore, we highly recommend computer cleanup to get rid of this annoying MoonBrowser Search.
Getting rid of Moon Browser
It is crucial to remove Moon Browser from the Mac computer in order to restore the previous preferences of Mac users. On this page is a complete procedures along with free virus and malware removal tools. Be sure to execute the instructions in correct order to totally get rid of Moon Browser and the relevant browser hijacker.
Procedures to Remove Moon Browser
This section contains complete instructions to assist you in removing potentially unwanted program from Mac computer.
Procedures published on this page are written in method 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 and malware. Moreover, it can get rid of unwanted program like Moon Browser. 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 Moon Browser.
6. As shown in the image below, Combo Cleaner accurately detects Moon Browser rogue program. Proceed with the removal of the virus by upgrading Combo Cleaner to full version.
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 : Quit Moon Browser Process
Before proceeding with the steps below, please close Moon Browser window if in case it is open.
1. Go to Launchpad, Utilities folder, open Activity Monitor.
2. Choose All Processes from the upper right corner of the window.
3. Under Process Name column, look for Moon Browser. Click the name to select the malicious process.
4. Next, click the Quit Process button located in the upper left corner of the window.
5. When prompted, click on Force Quit.
6. You may now delete or remove files that belongs to Moon Browser. Proceed to the next steps.
Step 2 : Delete Moon Browser Login Items
Some malware also installs login item into compromised account under System Preferences. This object automatically runs Moon Browser during user log in.
1. Go to Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Select Users & Groups from the preferences window.
3. You may need to Unlock this area in order to make changes. Click on the Lock icon on lower left corner of the window.
4. Next, select user account that runs Moon Browser.
5. Click on Login Items tab.
6. Select Moon Browser from listed entries and click on the minus [-] button and confirm your actions. Please see image below for reference.
As stated, the creation of Login Items or profile is case-to-case basis. Some unwanted application may add their entry on this section but others are not concern on making one. So, if Moon Browser Login item is not present, please continue with the succeeding steps.
Step 3 : Delete Moon Browser Application
1. Go to Finder.
2. On the menu, click Go and then, select Applications from the list to open Applications Folder.
3. Find Moon Browser or any unwanted program.
4. Drag the Moon Browser to Trash Bin to delete the application from Mac.
5. Right-click on Trash icon and click on Empty Trash.
Step 4 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed Moon Browser
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:
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing Moon Browser 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.
5. Drag all suspicious files that you may find to Trash.
6. Repeat Step 2, numbers 1-5 procedures on the following folder (without ~):
/Library/LaunchAgents
7. Please restart the computer.
8. Open another folder using the same method as above. Copy and Paste the following string to easily locate the folder.
~/Library/Application Support
9. Look for suspicious objects or folders with the following names and drag them to the Trash.
10. Repeat procedures 8 and 9 on the following folders if necessary.
~/Library/Caches
11. Go to your Finder and open the Applications Folder. Look for subfolders with names similar above and drag them to Trash.
12. Lastly, please Empty your Mac's Trash bin.
Step 5 : Run another Scan using MBAM Tool for Mac
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac from the link below.
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 Moon Browser.
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, Moon Browser is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click Remove button to clean the computer.
6. You may now restart the computer.
