An unwanted browser extension is PicaPica. Some users mistook it for a computer virus due to its aggressive style of computer invasion. For the record, PicaPica is a member of the PUP family of potentially unwanted programs. This dubious software is mainly packed with freeware or shareware that dubious file sites are promoting as a free downloadable app. It uses a variety of deceptive installation methods. There won’t be the tiniest indication that PicaPica has infiltrated the system when the web user installs the free program. Web users therefore interpret sudden changes to the site that indicate the existence of an unwanted search engine as a virus attack.
Is PicaPica extension a virus?
As was already said, PicaPica is not classified as a virus by computer security professionals. It is not infectious and does not spread on its own. Second, this unwanted program has no intention of corrupting files or harming data, software, or the operating system. It also does not infect files. PicaPica only targets internet browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
Like other adware like ThymusVulgaris and SylvilagusFloridanus, PicaPica’s only goal is to change the settings of the browser program in order to replace the homepage and search engine. Additionally, nitpicky code is introduced to the internet application to turn on the constant display of pop-up ads and browser redirects. PicaPica was categorized as Adware or ad-supported software because it actively uses an advertising income model.
Privacy and security risks
It’s important to note that any ads that appear in the browser when PicaPica is active come from a hidden ad network. Nevertheless, viewing any kind of advertising is harmful. Additionally, it could reroute the browser’s pages to harmful websites, which are typically the origin of malware or adware infections.
Adware and PUP’s are infamous for gathering a variety of sensitive data from browsers. To record data like visited pages, favorite websites, search terms, and so forth, it can, for instance, keep track of the web user’s surfing habits. In addition, the PicaPica spy module could collect data on web users, including their usernames, passwords, and whereabouts.
In conclusion, PicaPica is a dubious browser add-on that poses a risk to users’ online security and privacy. Therefore, it is advised to remove the threat from the browser right away to reduce the risks. Please consult the next section for further instructions on how to remove PicaPica.
Procedures to Remove PicaPica from Mac
This section contains comprehensive guide for Mac users. It will help you remove malicious browser hijacker from Google Chrome browser.
Procedures on this page are written in a manner that can be easily understand and execute by Mac users.
Quick Fix - Scan the System 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 malicious browser hijacker like PicaPica. 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 it's latest virus definition updates and click on "Start Combo Scan" to start removing PicaPica.
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 Suspicious Google Chrome Extension on Mac
Most adware and unwanted programs are using a program called browser extension to be able to take over the settings of internet applications. Therefore, we highly recommend to check and remove the extension that is closely related to PicaPica.
1. Open Google Chrome browser.
2. Type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar and press Enter on keyboard.
3. Find PicaPica or relevant entry and remove it from Google Chrome.
If unable to remove PicaPica because browser is "Managed by your Organization", follow these steps:
1. Activate the Developer mode on Extensions window by using the slider.
2. Then, copy or take note of the browser Extension ID.
3. Open Finder on you Mac and go to the following directory:
~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/Extensions
4. Once you opened the directory, find the folder that matches the Extension ID and delete it.
5. Please restart your Google Chrome browser.
Aside from this straightforward workaround, we have a separate comprehensive guide to fix the Managed by Organization issue. You can also execute that guide if the steps on this page are not enough to delete PicaPica.
Step 2 : Delete PicaPica 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 PicaPica or any unwanted program.
4. Drag PicaPica to Trash Bin to delete the application from Mac.
5. Right-click on Trash icon and click on Empty Trash.
Step 3 : Remove Browser Extensions that belongs to PicaPica
1. Locate the add-on or extension that is relevant to the hijacker. 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 PicaPica or any suspicious items, click on Remove or Uninstall, to get rid of it.
3. Close the browser and proceed to the next steps.
Step 4 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed PicaPica
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:
- unknown.download.plist
- unknown.ltvbit.plist
- unknown.update.plist
- com.unknown
The term unknown is just a representation of the actual malware name. It is normally an unfamiliar file name such as the following:
- PicaPica
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing PicaPica 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
/Library/Preferences
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 PicaPica homepage hijacker.
Step 4 : Double-check with 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 PicaPica.
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, PicaPica 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 PicaPica from Homepage and Search
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 PicaPica. 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.
Step 6 : Delete PicaPica Login Items
Some browser hijacker may also install login item into compromised account under System Preferences. This object automatically runs PicaPica 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 PicaPica.
5. Click on Login Items tab.
6. Select PicaPica or any suspicious entries from the list and click on the minus [-] button and confirm your actions. Please see image below for reference.
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 PicaPica. 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 , PicaPica 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 PicaPica.
PicaPica Removal Procedure for PC
Below is a systematic instruction that is very useful in getting rid of the potentially unwanted program (PUP) from compromised computer.
In order to totally eliminate the threat, it is vital to follow the process in exact manner.
Quick Fix - Scan the computer with Sophos Antivirus
To remove PicaPica automatically, scanning the computer with this powerful anti-virus tool is recommended. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware, it is also effective in discovering browser hijacker like PicaPica that slows down online browsing activities.
1. Download Sophos Virus Removal Tool from the link below. Save the file on your computer where you can easily access it.
2. Once the download completes, browse the location of the file. Double-click to run the program and begin the install process.
3. On first windows of installation wizard, click Next to continue. Then, it will display the program’s License Agreement. You need to Accept the terms in order to proceed. If Windows prompts for User Account Control, please click Yes to proceed.
4. On succeeding windows, click Next or Continue to carry on with the installation. After completing the installation process, Launch Sophos Virus Removal Tool.
5. Internet connection is required when running this scanner in order to download important updates. Make sure that everything is up-to-date to effectively remove malicious program like PicaPica.
6. Click the button to carry out the Scan. This will check the system for presence of malicious objects, malware, and viruses. The tool reveals items that were found linked to PicaPica+ and other suspicious entities. Be sure to remove all identified threats.
The above procedures should have totally eliminated the PicaPica browser hijacker. However, if you found that there are still remnants of the threat, please proceed to manual removal of associated objects as outlined below.
Step 1 : Get Rid of Unwanted Google Chrome Extension
The above procedures should have totally eliminated the browser hijacker. However, if you still find that there are still remnants of PicaPica on internet application, please proceed to manual removal of associated objects as outlined below.
1. Open Google Chrome browser.
2. Type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar and press Enter on keyboard.
3. Find PicaPica or relevant entry and remove it from Google Chrome.
If you cannot remove PicaPica because "Your Browser is Managed by your Organization", do the following:
1. Activate the Developer mode on Extensions window by using the slider.
2. Then, copy or take note of the browser Extension ID.
3. Open Windows Explorer and locate the following folder:
C:\Users\(Your Username)\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions
4. After opening the Folder, find the item that matches the Extension ID and delete it.
5. Please restart your Google Chrome browser.
Aside from this straightforward workaround, we have a separate comprehensive guide to fix the Managed by Organization issue. You can also execute that guide if the steps on this page are not enough to delete PicaPica.
Step 2 : Scan and Delete Adware with AdwCleaner
In addition to the procedure, we suggest scanning the computer with AdwCleaner tool. Possibly, there are some traces of PicaPica on the browser that was not deleted during the preceding steps. This tool will scan the computer and check for presence of malicious applications.
1. Follow the link below to download the tool called AdwCleaner.
2. When the download has completed, please close all running programs on the computer especially browsers affected by PicaPica.
3. Browse the location of the downloaded file and double-click on adwcleaner_Ver.exe to start running the tool. Then, click on Scan button.
4. AdwCleaner searches the computer for malicious programs, extensions, plug-ins, adware, and any items that may be associated to PicaPica.
5. Clean or Remove all suspicious and harmful items identified after the thorough scan.
6. After the cleanup procedure, rebooting the computer is required to finalize the removal of detected threats.
PicaPica and "Managed by your organization" on Google Chrome
If PicaPica has set a policy and it was able to restrict making modifications on Google Chrome, we recommend to execute additional procedures to remove "Browser is managed by organization" policy.
