How to uninstall SectionBuffer app/extension from Mac

What is SectionBuffer

SectionBuffer is supposed to be an application that will improve the browsing experience, but according to security researchers, this program is adware. Adware is something which you should be aware of even if you use Safari, Google Chrome or other modern browser. This is the name given to software that have been designed to show intrusive advertisements and pop up commercials onto your web browser screen. The reason for adware software’s existence is to generate revenue for its creator.

The worst is, adware has the ability to gather and transmit personal info without your permission. Adware can be used to track information about webpages visited, browser and system information, and your Apple Mac IP address.

Do not panic because we have got the solution. Here’s a guidance on how to get rid of SectionBuffer adware from the Apple Mac and free your browser of unwanted ads.

How does SectionBuffer get on your device

Adware may be spread through the use of trojan horses and other forms of malicious software, but in many cases, adware gets on your MAC OS as a part of certain free software. Many makers of free software include optional apps in their setup file. Sometimes it’s possible to avoid the installation of any adware software: carefully read the Terms of Use and the Software license, choose only Manual, Custom or Advanced installation method, reject all checkboxes before clicking Install or Next button while installing new free programs.

Threat Summary

Name	SectionBuffer, SectionBuffer 1.0 app
Type	adware, PUP (potentially unwanted program), pop-up virus, pop-ups, pop up ads
Symptoms	internet browser pop-ups appear and recommend fake updates and other unwanted apps website links reroute to web pages different from what you expected there is an unwanted program in the ‘Applications’ section of your Finder an unexpected toolbar appears in your internet browser unexpected changes in your web browser such as displaying new tabs you didn’t open you cannot update your security software slow Internet browsing speeds CPU usage seems unusually high
Removal	SectionBuffer removal guide

How to remove SectionBuffer from Mac computer

As with removing adware, malware or PUPs, there are few steps you may do. We recommend trying them all. If you do only one part of the guide, then it should be run malicious software removal utility, because it should remove adware and stop any further infection. But to completely get rid of SectionBuffer you will have to at least reset your browser settings such as search engine, newtab and home page to default state, uninstall all unwanted and suspicious programs, and remove adware by malicious software removal tools. Certain of the steps below will require you to close this webpage. So, please read the few simple steps carefully, after that bookmark it or open it on your smartphone for later reference.

To remove SectionBuffer, use the steps below:

1. Remove unwanted profiles on Mac device
2. Remove SectionBuffer related applications through the Finder
3. Remove SectionBuffer related files and folders
4. Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
5. Remove SectionBuffer from Safari, Chrome, Firefox
6. How to stay safe online
7. Finish words

Remove unwanted profiles on Mac device

SectionBuffer can install a configuration profile on the Mac system to block changes made to the browser settings. Therefore, you need to open system preferences, find and delete the profile installed by the adware.

Click the System Preferences icon ( ) in the Dock, or choose Apple menu ( ) > System Preferences.

In System Preferences, click Profiles, then select a profile associated with SectionBuffer.

Click the minus button ( – ) located at the bottom-left of the Profiles screen to remove the profile.
Note: if you do not see Profiles in the System Preferences, that means there are no profiles installed on your Mac device, which is normal.

Remove SectionBuffer related applications through the Finder

The next step to remove PUPs, browser hijackers and adware is to uninstall unknown and questionable apps. Using the Finder you can do this quickly and easily. We recommend you not to skip this step, as it often helps to get rid of internet browser redirects and intrusive advertisements.

Open Finder and click “Applications”.

Very carefully look around the entire list of apps installed on your MAC OS. Most probably, one of them is the SectionBuffer adware software. Once you’ve found a questionable, unwanted or unused program, right click to it and select “Move to Trash”. Another solution is drag the program from the Applications folder to the Trash.

Don’t forget, choose Finder -> “Empty Trash”.

Remove SectionBuffer related files and folders

Now you need to try to find SectionBuffer related files and folders, and then delete them manually. You need to look for these files in certain directories. To quickly open them, we recommend using the “Go to Folder…” command.

Click on the Finder icon. From the menu bar, select Go and click “Go to Folder…”. As a result, a small window opens that allows you to quickly open a specific directory.

Check for SectionBuffer generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchAgents

This will open the contents of the “/Library/LaunchAgents” folder. Look carefully at it and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files: search.plist, SectionBuffer.plist, com.machelper.plist, installapp.plist and macsearch.plist. Most often, browser hijackers, adware and potentially unwanted programs create several files with similar names.

Check for SectionBuffer generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/Application Support

This will open the contents of the “Application Support” folder. Look carefully at its contents, pay special attention to recently added/changed folder. Move all suspicious folders to the Trash.

Check for SectionBuffer generated files in the “~/Library/LaunchAgents” folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
~/Library/LaunchAgents

Proceed in the same way as with the “/Library/LaunchAgents” and “/Library/Application Support” folders. Look for suspicious and recently added files. Move all suspicious files to the Trash.

Check for SectionBuffer generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Carefully browse the entire list of files and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files to be deleted: com.macsearch.plist, com.installapp.plist, com.SectionBuffer.plist, com.machelper.plist and com.search.plist. In most cases, adware, browser hijackers and potentially unwanted programs create several files with similar names.

Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes

We recommend using MalwareBytes AntiMalware. You can download and install MalwareBytes AntiMalware to scan for and remove SectionBuffer associated programs from your Mac computer. When installed and updated, the malicious software remover automatically searches for and removes all security threats exist on the MAC.

1. Click the following link to download MalwareBytes Anti Malware.
   
   

   Malwarebytes Anti-malware (Mac)
   20842 downloads
   Author: Malwarebytes
   Category: Security tools
   Update: September 10, 2020
   
2. Once the downloading process is finished, close all apps and windows on your computer. Open a directory in which you saved it. Run the downloaded file and follow the prompts.
3. Click the “Scan” button for scanning your Apple Mac for the SectionBuffer adware. A scan can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of files on your MAC system and the speed of your Apple Mac.
4. When the scanning is complete, MalwareBytes will display a screen which contains a list of malicious software that has been found. Next, you need to click “Quarantine”.

Remove SectionBuffer from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

This step will show you how to remove malicious plugins. This can remove SectionBuffer adware and fix some browsing issues, especially after adware infection.

Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox
In the top-right corner, expand the Chrome menu. When the drop-down menu appears, choose ‘More tools’ and click on ‘Extensions’. Click ‘Remove’ to uninstall an extension. Click ‘Remove’ in the dialog box. You can also try to get rid of SectionBuffer adware by reset Google Chrome settings.	Click on ‘menu’ button and select ‘Add-ons’. Go to ‘Extensions’ tab. To uninstall an add-on, click on ‘Remove’ button next to it. If you are still experiencing issues with SectionBuffer adware removal, you need to reset Firefox browser.
Safari
On the top menu select ‘Safari’, then ‘Preferences’. Select ‘Extensions’ tab. Select an extension you want to delete and click ‘Uninstall’ button next to it.

How to stay safe online

If you want to remove annoying ads, internet browser redirects and pop-ups, then install an ad blocker application such as AdGuard. It can block unwanted advertisements and pop ups, stop web sites from tracking your online activities when using the Mozilla Firefox, Chrome and Safari. So, if you like surf the Internet, but you don’t like undesired advertisements and want to protect your MAC from malicious webpages, then the AdGuard is your best choice.

Download AdGuard on your MAC from the following link.

Once the downloading process is done, run the downloaded file. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen.

Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick guidance. Press “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or click “Get Started” to see an quick instructions that will assist you get to know AdGuard better.

Each time, when you start your MAC system, AdGuard will start automatically and stop intrusive pop-ups, block harmful and misleading web-pages.

Finish words

After completing the few simple steps above, your MAC system should be free from SectionBuffer adware and other malicious software. The Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome will no longer redirect you to various unwanted web-sites and online ads. Unfortunately, if the few simple steps does not help you, then you have caught a new adware software, and then the best way – ask for help here.