What Is Trickbot Malware & How To Get Rid of It On Mac?

Up until sometime back, users had a notion that malware could not infect Mac and it was confined to Windows computers only. But, let us tell you that various kinds of malware are targeting Mac as well.  So much so that some are even able to invade Mac’s defenses and others are constantly banging the new Mac developments such as Apple’s M1 processor. Here we will discuss one such malware – the TrickBot malware, a Trojan that infamously targets Windows and other operating systems.

What is TrickBot Malware?

TrickBot was first reported in October 2016. Its initial intent was to steal a user’s banking details and other credentials. It initially targeted Microsoft Windows but now it has expanded itself to other operating systems such as Mac. A TrickBot infects a machine and then goes on stealing personal information. It then sends back this stolen information to a server. TrickBot Trojan doesn’t stop its infection here. It also tries to infect the network to which the infected machine is connected.

Also Read: Top Mac Malware and Security Flaws

How To Know If Your Mac is Infected With TrickBot Malware?

In case your Mac is hit by the TrickBot Trojan, you may start noticing symptoms of seeing a sudden dip in the network or you might observe apps freezing or crashing now and then. You might even observe a sudden downfall in your Mac’s performance as well.

How To Remove TrickBot Malware on Mac

If you suspect that your Mac has been attacked by Trickbot, needn’t panic! You can take some defensive measures like the ones mentioned below –

Disconnect Mac From Internet

First and foremost, if you have a minute spec of doubt that your Mac is infected with TRickBot Trojan or any other kind of malware, immediately disconnect your Mac from the internet. This step will help stop the spread of malware further on your Mac.

Use A Dedicated Mac Malware Removal Utility

It is highly recommended that you have a utility that can help you scan your Mac for Malware. A dedicated Malware removal utility like CleanMyMac X has a database of malware. When CleanMyMac X scans your Mac and identifies any danger it compares it with its malware databases. It scans all the files and apps to make sure that no malware enters in your Mac.

To clean TrickBot Malware using CleanMyMac X, follow the steps mentioned below –

1. Download, run and install CleanMyMac X

2. From the left-hand side, click on Malware Removal under Protection

3. Click on the Scan button from the right-hand side

4. Your Mac will now be scanned for malware

5. If it detects TrickBot, click on the Remove button

Also Read: CleanMyMac X Vs MacCleaner Pro

Removing TrickBot With The Help of Browsers

Another way to remove TrickBot is to check the various extensions that you may have installed on your browser. Here let’s have a look at how you can remove suspicious extensions from three popular browsers on Mac –

● Safari

Safari is your go-to default Mac browser and TrickBot and many kinds of malware infections can be removed by tweaking some settings in Safari –

1. Click on Safari

2. Go to Preferences

3. Click on Extensions

4. Check for any suspicious extensions

5. Click on Uninstall

6. Close Safari and launch again

● Firefox

Firefox is yet another popular browser on Mac. Here is how you can rid of sketchy extensions if you suspect that TrickBot might have crept into your Mac because of this –

1. Click on the hamburger icon at the upper right corner of the screen

2. Click on Add-ons and themes > Extensions

3. Locate extensions that you think you may have not installed. The same goes for any plug-ins

4. Click on Uninstall

5. Close Firefox and open it again

● Chrome

Alike Windows, quite many Mac users use Chrome, and here is how you can get rid of TrickBot Malware by getting rid of extensions on Mac.

1. Click on the three dots from the right-hand side of Mac

2. Click on More Tools

3. Look for extensions and plug-ins that you think are suspicious

4. Click on Remove

5. Quit Chrome and again relaunch

Wrapping Up:

Prevention is always better than cure. To keep malware like TrickBot at bay, the first and foremost thing that you should do is never ever click on a suspicious attachment. And, secondly, keep a tool like CleanMyMac X handy just in case your Mac is vulnerable to TrickBot Trojan or the likes. For more such content keep reading Tweak Library.