How to remove ConnectionCache (Mac)

What is ConnectionCache

ConnectionCache is a type of malicious software specifically targeting Mac computers. It primarily functions as adware but also exhibits browser hijacking characteristics. This dual-threat not only disrupts the user experience by displaying intrusive advertisements but also modifies browser settings without the user’s consent, redirecting search queries and changing the default homepage and search engine to generate advertising revenue. Once installed, ConnectionCache employs several techniques to anchor itself within the system. It may create malicious profiles which can alter system configurations and prevent the removal of the adware. These profiles can restrict user control over their browser settings, making it challenging to revert changes made by the adware. The primary symptom of ConnectionCache is the display of numerous unwanted advertisements. These ads can significantly hinder system performance by consuming system resources. Moreover, the ads displayed by ConnectionCache often lead to untrustworthy websites, which may host more severe threats like malware or phishing attacks.

How ConnectionCache infects Mac computers

ConnectionCache typically gains access to a system through deceptive installation practices. It is often bundled with other software, which users may download from the internet. During the installation of the primary software, ConnectionCache is installed covertly without clear disclosure. This type of software bundling is common in free software downloads and installations from unverified sources. Users may also inadvertently install ConnectionCache by clicking on fake software update prompts or advertisements that mimic legitimate requests. These can appear as necessary updates for software like Adobe Flash Player or as antivirus warnings, which when interacted with, lead to the installation of the adware.

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

Remove ConnectionCache manually for free

Note: ConnectionCache 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 “ConnectionCache” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: ConnectionCache 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 ConnectionCache in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

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

Remove ConnectionCache from Applications

Remove ConnectionCache from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ConnectionCache

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

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

Remove ConnectionCache add-on from your browsers

Removing ConnectionCache 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 ConnectionCache 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 ConnectionCache 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 ConnectionCache 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 ConnectionCache extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish ConnectionCache 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 ConnectionCache


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


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

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 ConnectionCache in browsers.

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ConnectionCache

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.