How to Remove AccessibilityDock (Mac)

Do not install AccessibilityDock app just for the sake of curiosity. Because once this dubbed potentially unwanted application (PUA) end up on the computer, you will have difficult time to accomplish the removal. AccessibilityDock is targeting Mac computer especially the browser applications that runs with it including Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox.

AccessibilityDock entry on Mac

The attack mechanism for AccessibilityDock to penetrate Mac computer haven’t change ever since the release of its earliest editions. Until now, it adopts the same distribution tactics from similar threats as SearchBrowserSky, Convuster, and SkilledPanelSearch. Normally, Mac computers are contracted with AccessibilityDock once user downloads and installs freeware that was maliciously altered to embed the PUA in it. Definitely, there is no sign of infiltration or anything unusual during the installation of the carrier file. Thus, AccessibilityDock discreetly penetrates the computer while user is busy to get the desired freeware up and running.

Aggressive advertisements are seen as another major factor for the wide spread of AccessibilityDock app. Ads that pop-ups on the computer claiming that AccessibilityDock is a useful browser extension, which uplifts online browsing and searching of Mac user may have tricked some. However, it is the ad purporting as system alerts prompting for the immediate download of software update that traps majority of victims via this distribution channel. Instead of software update, it installs AccessibilityDock as replacement.

Screenshot of AccessibilityDock App

During the infection

While AccessibilityDock is operating as browser extension, Mac users are going to encounter different unusual behavior on the browser. For example, the internet program pulls a series of redirects while user is performing an online search. Added to that, there will be barrage of advertisements showing up on the screen to fulfill the goal of AccessibilityDock app in generating online profit during its stay on the browser.

The occurrence of AccessibilityDock app on Mac computer could also lead to privacy theft. Part of its operation is to gather browsing information like search keywords, favorite websites, IP address, browser make and version. There is no certainty that AccessibilityDock tends to ignore identifiable credentials such as username, passwords, and contact details.

How to protect Mac from AccessibilityDock?

There are several methods to protect the computer against AccessibilityDock and similar threats. Mac user can always do the following things in order to keep the computer safe and secure.

Install Antivirus program – Locally installed anti-virus and anti-malware are still the best defense against any kind of threats including AccessibilityDock . There are paid and free versions to choose from. However, the most effective ones are those that offer subscription for regular update and support.

Avoid suspicious freeware – There is no denial that majority of computer users are fond of obtaining freeware. It is just fine to have them, just make sure that the source is reliable. Disregard the ones that are offered via intrusive pop-ups and distrusted sites because these are common sources of AccessibilityDock app.

Block malicious site – A drive-by-download technique that several malicious sites are employing does not need intervention from visitors to execute a malware. A simple visit to these sites runs and executes a harmful code that drops a AccessibilityDock on visitor’s computer.

Procedures to Remove AccessibilityDock 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 AccessibilityDock. You may need to purchase the full version if you want 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.

Install Combo Cleaner

4. Open your Launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon.

5. Wait until your antivirus downloads its latest virus definition updates.

6. Next, click on "Start Combo Scan" to start removing AccessibilityDock.

Combo Cleaner Scanner

7. 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 manually removing malicious objects associated with the threat.

Step 1 : Delete AccessibilityDock 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 AccessibilityDock or any unwanted program and suspicious item. It may also disguise itself as a different file with random names.

Delete Unwanted App

4. Drag the suspicious file to the 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 AccessibilityDock

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 AccessibilityDock, 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 AccessibilityDock

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.

Command + V

4. You will now see a folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:

  • com.AccessibilityDock.plist
  • unknown.service.plist
  • unknown.system.plist
  • unknown.download.plist
  • unknown.update.plist

The term unknown is just a representation of the actual malware name. Attackers may use the following file names:

- AccessibilityDock Daemon, (random characters).plist

If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing AccessibilityDock 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.

Option+Command+4

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.

- AccessibilityDock Daemon

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.

Force Quit Apps

3. Click on Force Quit button.

4. You may now delete or remove locked files that belongs to AccessibilityDock 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 the most recent version if one is available. This is necessary for finding recent malware threats, including AccessibilityDock.

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 the Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.

MBAM for Mac

5. After the scan, Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac will display a list of identified threats, and AccessibilityDock is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click the Remove button to clean the computer.

Step 5 : Remove AccessibilityDock from Homepage and Search

Safari

- Open your Safari browser.
- Go to the Safari Menu located in the upper left-hand corner, and then select Preferences.
- Under the General tab, navigate to the Default Search Engine section and select Google or any valid search engine.
- Next, be sure that the "New Windows Open With" field is set to Homepage.
- Lastly, remove AccessibilityDock from the Homepage field. Replace it with your preferred URL to be set as your default homepage.

Google Chrome

- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Input the following on the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard : chrome://settings/
- Look for 'On Startup' area on the sidebar.
- Select 'Open a specific page or set of pages'.
- Choose the unwanted homepage, and click on Ellipses (three dots) and select Edit.
- Enter the desired web address as your homepage, replacing the AccessibilityDock setting. Click Save.
- To set the default search engine, go to the Search Engine area from the sidebar link.
- Click on 'Manage search engines...' button.
- Select the questionable Search Engine and click on Ellipses (three dots). ClickDelete. to remove it from the list.
- Go back to the Search Engine area and choose a valid entry (i.e., Google) 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
- Click Home on the sidebar area.
- Under "New Windows and Tabs", you may choose Firefox Home (Default) or Custom URLs. - Input the desired URL to replace AccessibilityDock settings if you chose Custom URLs.
- To configure default search engine, select Search on the sidebar to display the settings.
- Under the Default Search Engine list, please select one (i.e., Google).
- On the same page, you have the option to Remove unwanted search engines.

Optional : If you are unable to change browser settings, execute these steps:

Some users complain that there is no way to change browser settings because they are grayed out by AccessibilityDock. In such a situation, it is important to check if there is an 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 AccessibilityDock or any relevant profile from the left pane. See the image below.

Remove Mac Profile

4. At the bottom of this window, click the minus [-] button to delete the account. Please refer to the image above.

5. Close the Profiles window and open the affected browser to change all settings associated with AccessibilityDock.

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