How to remove ActiveSource (Mac)

What is ActiveSource

ActiveSource is a type of adware specifically targeting Mac computers. Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is a category of software that automatically delivers advertisements to users. ActiveSource is classified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) because it injects advertisements into websites you visit and redirects your browser search queries, often without the user’s consent or knowledge. This adware belongs to the AdLoad family, which is known for its persistent and intrusive nature. Once installed, ActiveSource can significantly disrupt the user experience on a Mac. The adware is capable of displaying a wide range of advertisements, including pop-up ads, banner ads, interstitial ads, and coupons. These ads can be intrusive and may lead to further security risks if clicked on, as they often redirect users to potentially harmful websites. Moreover, ActiveSource can compromise user privacy. Adware applications like ActiveSource often track browsing habits and collect data, which can then be used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties. This data collection can include sensitive information, increasing the risk of privacy breaches.

How ActiveSource infects Mac computers

ActiveSource can infiltrate Mac systems through several deceptive methods:

Phishing Emails: One common method is through phishing emails that trick users into downloading and opening malicious attachments. These emails often appear legitimate, enticing users to click on links or download files that contain the adware.
Fake Software Updates: Another prevalent method is through fake software updates, such as bogus Flash Player updates. Users may be prompted to download what appears to be a necessary update, but in reality, they are installing the ActiveSource adware.
Bundled Software: ActiveSource can also be bundled with other software. When users download and install free software from the internet, they may unknowingly agree to install additional programs, including adware like ActiveSource.

1. Download ActiveSource Removal Tool
2. Remove ActiveSource from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall ActiveSource from Applications
4. Remove ActiveSource from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove ActiveSource files and folders
7. Block ActiveSource ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like ActiveSource

Remove ActiveSource manually for free

Note: ActiveSource sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “ActiveSource” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: ActiveSource won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose ActiveSource in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full ActiveSource removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of ActiveSource installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove ActiveSource from Applications

Remove ActiveSource from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. ActiveSource might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall ActiveSource or ActiveSource Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag ActiveSource from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall ActiveSource

If you can’t uninstall ActiveSource using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of ActiveSource. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag ActiveSource from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with ActiveSource.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove ActiveSource add-on from your browsers

Removing ActiveSource from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the ActiveSource extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find ActiveSource extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find ActiveSource extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose ActiveSource extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish ActiveSource removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of ActiveSource


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ActiveSource.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ActiveSource.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ActiveSource.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ActiveSource.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote ActiveSource

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting ActiveSource in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ActiveSource

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac