MixBuilder Virus - How to remove

An example of a Mac virus, MixBuilder is a Safari search extension and spyware. It installs without users’ consent and takes control of the Safari browser. MixBuilder can track a user’s browsing history. More than that, it can see the passwords and other private information when a user is typing them. The distribution of MixBuilder is typical of other malware: infected emails, pre-installed adware, and software bundles.

MixBuilder is not just inconvenient because it messes with the other Safari extensions — it is recognised by antivirus programs as a malicious app.

What can MixBuilder do?

When MixBuilder is installed, you might notice your computer freezing and then have to restart it. After this, your other Safari extensions are gone. But this inconvenience is not nearly the biggest problem.

MixBuilder has the ability to gather information like your browsing history, which can be used to target marketing to you specifically. Many search hijackers make money by directing you to click on ads. Spying on your habits is useful for them to be able to serve ads that target your interests, potentially making them more money.

Worse, MixBuilder can see your private information when you are typing it in your browser. Things like passwords and online banking info are valuable and very destructive if leaked. Some of the most dangerous viruses are part of a scheme to help cybercriminals take over and drain people’s bank accounts. Hopefully, MixBuilder is not it, but, if you think some of your information might have been exposed, change your passwords immediately.

How did MixBuilder get installed, and how to avoid it in the future?

If you have MixBuilder on your system, it was probably installed without your knowledge. The victims of MixBuilder do not remember installing the extension themselves. Indeed, there are multiple ways for malware to infect a computer in secret.

One of the most common is malicious emails. Infected files, once opened/ran can install malware on a Mac. These files come as attachments to deceptive spam emails. Cybercriminals use a variety of social engineering techniques to trick Mac users into opening the email and the attached files: urgent financial documents (like bills and invoices), as well as messages about parcels that couldn’t be delivered, and sometimes just mysterious “important documents”. These letters are usually vague, but not suspicious. They might use official logos, write with authority — like you’re supposed to know what is happening. Some people who found MixBuilder on their computers remember having opened a suspicious email previously.

Bundles are another way for dubious applications to spread. Bundles work by combining a few promoted pieces of software with the installation of another program. Some promoted software is clearly labeled, but sometimes the apps are hidden and can very easily be missed during the installation. This can result in the unwitting installation of unwanted software. Not being aware of all the programs that have been installed on your Mac can make it very difficult to trace the origin of any problems with your computer.

Having adware already installed on your Mac can lead to more infections. Adware and browser hijackers (like MixBuilder) can direct a user to malicious sites that no one would find on their own. If a user’s browser is hijacked and unsafe websites are being opened, searches are redirected, a user is spammed with low-quality ads, it is very easy to accidentally download or install a destructive virus, a potentially unwanted program, or a malicious extension. Often only one wayward click on the wrong part of the screen can be enough.

Remember to be patient and careful when opening unexpected emails and when installing free software. When you think that your browser or computer is acting strange, take care of it as soon as you can. Prevention is also important, so remember to regularly scan your computer with an antivirus program.

How to remove MixBuilder

You can remove MixBuilder manually and reenable the extensions that MixBuilder has shut down. However, because various malware uses similar methods of distribution, there is a real possibility that, if you have one virus infecting your computer, you have more. So it would be safer to scan your system with an antivirus program to check if your system has any other unwanted programs.

Use Spyhunter or Combo-Cleaner, or another antivirus program that you trust. First, make sure that your antivirus program is up-to-date. Then scan your Mac and wait until the antivirus finds MixBuilder and, if they are there, the other lurking malicious apps, and delete them.

Automatic Malware removal tools

How to remove MixBuilder Virus from Safari:Top

Remove malicious extensions

• Click on Safari menu on the top left corner of the screen. Select Preferences.
  
• Select Extensions and uninstall MixBuilder Virus and other suspicious extensions.
  
• If your homepage was changed, click on Safari menu on the top left corner of the screen. Select Preferences and choose General tab. Enter preferable URL to the homepage field.
  

(Optional) Reset your browser’s settings(older versions) If you are still experiencing any issues related to MixBuilder Virus, reset the settings of your browser to its default settings.

• Click on Safari menu on the top left corner of the screen. Select Reset Safari…
  
• Select which options you want to reset (usually all of them come preselected) and click on the Reset button.
  

If you cannot reset your browser settings and the problem persists, scan your system with an anti-malware program.