What is AccessibleTool
AccessibleTool is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that targets Mac operating systems. It is categorized as adware, which means it primarily focuses on displaying intrusive and unwanted advertisements to the affected users. AccessibleTool often enters the system through software bundling, where it is bundled with legitimate software downloads and installed without the user’s consent or knowledge. Once installed, AccessibleTool modifies the browser settings and injects various advertisements into webpages, search results, and pop-up windows. These ads can be highly disruptive, leading to a degraded browsing experience, slower system performance, and potential privacy risks.
To infect a Mac system, AccessibleTool takes advantage of deceptive techniques such as software bundling. This means that when users download and install legitimate software from untrustworthy sources, AccessibleTool is secretly included in the installation package. It often disguises itself as a useful tool or an extension, tricking users into allowing its installation. Once inside the system, AccessibleTool modifies browser settings, such as the default search engine and homepage, to redirect the user to specific websites and display targeted advertisements. It can also track the user’s online activities, collecting sensitive information such as browsing habits, search queries, and personal data, which can then be sold to third-party advertisers or used for other malicious purposes. Overall, AccessibleTool compromises the user’s privacy and disrupts their online experience.
AccessibleTool Automated Removal Tools
Solution for Mac user
SpyHunter for Mac is a comprehensive cybersecurity software developed by EnigmaSoft Limited, tailored specifically for macOS. It’s designed to offer advanced protection against a wide array of threats specifically targeting the Mac ecosystem, including malware, adware, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
Manual AccessibleTool Removal Guide
Below are step-by-step instructions to remove AccessibleTool from Mac computers. Follow this steps carefully and uninstall it from Applications, remove malicious browser extensions from browsers and remove files and folders belonging to AccessibleTool.
Uninstall AccessibleTool or apps related to AccessibleTool from Mac
- Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
- In System Preferences, click on Users & Groups.
- Click on your user account in the left panel. Unlock the lock icon at the bottom left by entering your password if necessary.
- Click on the Login Items tab at the top of the window to see a list of apps that open automatically when you log in.
- Find AccessibleTool, select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button below the list to remove it.
- Close the System Preferences window after making your changes.
Uninstall AccessibleTool from macOS:
- On the Finder menu click Go;
- On the right side choose Applications;
- Locate AccessibleTool or apps potentially related to it;
- Move it to trash bin;
- Follow on-screen instructions;
Remove AccessibleTool malicious extension
Here are detailed instructions for removing malicious browser extensions related to AccessibleTool from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari:
Safari (macOS)
- Open Safari.
- Open Safari Preferences from the menu bar.
- Switch to the Extensions tab.
- Locate AccessibleTool.
- Uninstall extensions by clicking Uninstall.
- Confirm the uninstallation if prompted.
- Restart Safari (Optional).
Google Chrome (macOS)
- Open Google Chrome.
- Access Extensions by clicking on the three vertical dots, hover over More tools, and click Extensions.
- Find AccessibleTool.
- Remove extensions by clicking on Remove.
- Confirm Removal by clicking Remove in the dialog box.
- Close and restart Chrome (Optional).
Mozilla Firefox (macOS)
- Open Mozilla Firefox.
- Access Add-ons and Themes via the menu or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + A.
- Select suspicious extensions in the Add-ons Manager.
- Locate AccessibleTool.
- Remove extensions by clicking on the three dots and selecting Remove.
- Confirm and restart Firefox (Optional).
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove the AccessibleTool extension from the respective browsers. If you encounter any issues, ensure that you are using the latest version of the browser, as the process may vary slightly with different versions.
How to reset browser settings?
Resetting browser settigs can help resolve issues with the browser’s performance or functionality. It will restore browsers to their default settings, but it’s important to note that this action may clear your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
Reset Safari:
- Open Safari.
- Select Safari menu.
- Choose Reset Safari….
- Click Reset button.
Reset Google Chrome:
- Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser window and select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- In the Settings menu, scroll down and click on Advanced to expand more options.
- Scroll down to the Reset and clean up section.
- Click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
- A prompt will appear, explaining what will be reset. Click on Reset settings to confirm.
- Close and reopen Chrome to complete the reset process.
Reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Start the Firefox browser on your computer.
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the browser to open the menu.
- Click on Help (a question mark icon) at the bottom of the menu.
- In the Help menu, click on Troubleshooting Information.
- Click on Refresh Firefox at the top right of the new tab. This will open a dialog box explaining what will be reset.
- Click Refresh Firefox in the dialog box to confirm.
- Firefox will close and reset. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Finish and Firefox will reopen.
How to block unwanted pop-up ads and notifications, that promote AccessibleTool
In order to block pop-ups that promote AccessibleTool you can use AdGuard. AdGuard is a comprehensive ad blocking software designed to remove ads from web pages, block tracking cookies, and protect users from malware. It works across various devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. AdGuard is not just limited to blocking ads; it also offers features like parental controls and privacy protection, ensuring a safer and more streamlined browsing experience. It’s particularly popular among users who seek to enhance their online privacy and reduce distractions while surfing the web.
How to prevent malware infection?
As many potentially unwanted programs, AccessibleTool uses “bundling” to get installed on personal computers. Let me explain how it works. Malware is bound to freeware, so it can be installed with this freeware. To avoid malware installation, we recommend you not to download suspicious software from unknown sources and try to use only trusted websites. Be attentive while installing those programs. Also try to use custom/advanced setup options to disable malware installation. But better to download only licensed software from official websites. If you still want to download such installers, make sure to uncheck or decline all unwanted offers.