How to uninstall ChannelParameter app/extension from Mac (Virus removal guide)

What is ChannelParameter

According to security specialists, ChannelParameter is an adware application that targets Mac computers. Adware is a form of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on the web browser. Some of these advertisements are scams or fake ads developed to trick users. Even the harmless ads can become really irritating. Adware software can be installed unintentionally, when users open email attachments or install free software.

Another reason why you need to delete the ChannelParameter adware is its online data-tracking activity. It can gather sensitive info, including:

• IP addresses;
• URLs visited;
• search queries/terms;
• clicks on links and ads;
• browser version information.

In the few simple steps below, we will explain useful methods on how to get rid of ChannelParameter adware from your machine and clean your internet browser of unwanted advertisements.

How does ChannelParameter get on your MAC system

These days some free programs makers bundle adware software with a view to making some money. So whenever you install a new freeware that downloaded from the World Wide Web, be very careful during installation. Carefully read the EULA (a text with I ACCEPT/I DECLINE button), select custom or manual installation mode, reject all third-party applications.

Threat Summary

Name	ChannelParameter
Type	adware, potentially unwanted application (PUA), Mac virus, Mac malware
Detection Names	Osx.Adware.Cimpli, Program:MacOS/Vigram.A, OSX.Trojan.Gen, Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload, Adware.MAC.Generic, MacOS.Agent-MT, Adware/Adload!OSX and ApplicUnwnt
Distribution	Freeware installers, fake updaters, torrent downloads and dubious pop-up ads
Symptoms	The web site links redirect to a web pages different from what you expected, you experience a lot of of unwanted advertising pop ups, your Apple Mac starts automatically installing unwanted software, an unwanted extension appears in your internet browser, your web browser settings are being altered without your request, fast Internet but slow browsing speeds.
Removal	ChannelParameter removal guide

How to remove ChannelParameter adware

Without a doubt, the adware is harmful to your Apple Mac. So you need to quickly and completely remove ChannelParameter . To remove this adware software, you can use the manual removal steps that are given below or free malicious software removal utility such as MalwareBytes Anti Malware (it is free). We recommend you use automatic removal way that will allow you to remove ChannelParameter easily and safely. Manual removal is best used only if you’re well versed in computer or in the case where adware is not removed automatically. Read this manual carefully, bookmark it or open this page on your smartphone, because you may need to close your web-browser or reboot your MAC.

To remove ChannelParameter, execute the steps below:

1. Remove profiles created by ChannelParameter
2. Uninstall ChannelParameter related apps through the Finder
3. Remove ChannelParameter related files and folders
4. Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
5. Remove ChannelParameter from Safari, Chrome, Firefox
6. How to stay safe online

Remove profiles created by ChannelParameter

ChannelParameter 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 software.

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

In System Preferences, click Profiles, then select a profile related to ChannelParameter.

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.

Uninstall ChannelParameter related apps through the Finder

It is of primary importance to identify and remove adware software, browser hijackers and potentially unwanted programs through ‘Applications’ section of your Finder.

Open Finder and click “Applications”.

Very carefully look around the entire list of software installed on your Apple Mac. Most probably, one of them is the ChannelParameter . Once you’ve found a dubious, unwanted or unused application, right click to it and select “Move to Trash”. Another way is drag the program from the Applications folder to the Trash.

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

Remove ChannelParameter related files and folders

Now you need to try to find ChannelParameter 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.

ChannelParameter creates several files, these files must be found and removed. Below is a list of files associated with this unwanted application.

• /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ChannelParameter.system.plist
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ChannelParameter.service.plist
• /Library/Application Support/.(RANDOM)/System/com.ChannelParameter.system
• ~/Library/Application Support/.(RANDOM)/Services/com.ChannelParameter.service.app

Some files created by ChannelParameter are hidden from the user. To find and delete them, you need to enable “show hidden files”. To do this, use the shortcut CMD + SHIFT + . Press once to show hidden files and again to hide them. There is another way. Click Finder -> Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal. In Terminal, paste the following text: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

Press Enter. Hold the ‘Option/alt’ key, then right click on the Finder icon in the dock and click Relaunch.

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 ChannelParameter 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: macsearch.plist, com.machelper.plist, search.plist, com.google.defaultsearch.plist, , com.ChannelParameter.service.plist, com.net-preferences.plist and installapp.plist. Most often, potentially unwanted programs, browser hijackers and adware create several files with similar names.

Check for ChannelParameter 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 folders and files. Check the contents of suspicious folders, if there is a file with a name similar to com.ChannelParameter.system, then this folder must be deleted. Move all suspicious folders and files to the Trash.

Check for ChannelParameter 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 ChannelParameter 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.machelper.system.plist, com.macsearch.system.plist, com.installapp.system.plist, com.ChannelParameter.system.plist and com.search.system.plist. In most cases, adware software, browser hijackers and potentially unwanted programs create several files with similar names.

Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes

If you are still having problems with the ChannelParameter removal or just wish to check your Mac occasionally for adware software and other malicious software, then download MalwareBytes. It is free for home use, and finds and removes various undesired software that attacks your MAC OS or degrades computer performance. MalwareBytes can remove PUPs, browser hijackers, adware software and toolbars as well as malware, including ransomware and trojans.

1. Download MalwareBytes Free by clicking on the following link.
   
   

   Malwarebytes Anti-malware (Mac)
   20841 downloads
   Author: Malwarebytes
   Category: Security tools
   Update: September 10, 2020
   
2. When downloading is complete, close all applications and windows on your MAC OS. Open a folder in which you saved it. Run the downloaded file and follow the prompts.
3. Click the “Scan” button to begin checking your machine for the ChannelParameter . While the utility is checking, you can see how many objects and files has already scanned.
4. When MalwareBytes Anti Malware has finished scanning your MAC, you will be shown the list of all found items on your MAC system. Make sure to check mark the threats that are unsafe and then click “Quarantine”.

Remove ChannelParameter from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

If you’re still getting ChannelParameter , then you can try to remove it by removing harmful plugins.

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 ChannelParameter 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 ChannelParameter adware software removal, you need to reset Mozilla 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

It is important to run ad-blocking applications such as AdGuard to protect your Apple Mac from malicious web-pages. Most security experts says that it’s okay to block ads. You should do so just to stay safe! And, of course, the AdGuard can to block misleading and other unwanted web-pages.

Download AdGuard on your MAC from the following link.

When the downloading process is complete, launch the downloaded file. You will see the “Setup Wizard” screen. Follow the prompts.

Each time, when you run your Apple Mac, AdGuard will start automatically and stop annoying pop-up ads, block malicious and misleading web pages.

To sum up

After completing the tutorial above, your machine should be clean from this adware software and other malicious software. The Firefox, Safari and Chrome will no longer display any unwanted ads when you surf the Internet. Unfortunately, if the steps does not help you, then you have caught a new adware, and then the best way – ask for help.

Please create a new question by using the “Ask Question” button in the Questions and Answers. Try to give us some details about your problems, so we can try to help you more accurately. Wait for one of our trained “Security Team” or Site Administrator to provide you with knowledgeable assistance tailored to your problem with the ChannelParameter adware.