LogFormula is a potentially unwanted program that injects advertisements into websites you visit and redirects your browser search queries. It is important to remove LogFormula from your Mac to protect your online privacy and ensure a smooth browsing experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of removing LogFormula adware from your Mac.

What is LogFormula?

LogFormula is a malicious program that hijacks your browser homepage and search engine, displaying unwanted advertisements that do not originate from the sites you are browsing. It typically uses a browser extension or program to carry out these unwanted actions. When installed on your Mac, LogFormula will redirect your browser search queries through its own search engine, which in turn redirects to search result pages from Yahoo. This is likely done to generate advertising revenue by using Yahoo Search for its search results. Additionally, LogFormula opens new tabs in your browser that display advertisements promoting software, fake software updates, and tech support scams.

Common symptoms of LogFormula infection include:

• Your web browser’s default search engine is set to LogFormula Search.
• Your browser’s search queries are redirected through LogFormula Search.
• The “LogFormula” browser extension or program is installed on your Mac.

How was LogFormula installed on my computer?

LogFormula is typically installed by users, either knowingly or unknowingly. It is often offered through advertisements or bundled with other software, leaving users puzzled about its origin. Some free downloads may not adequately disclose that LogFormula will be installed alongside the desired software, leading to unintentional installation. Malicious ads are also known to distribute LogFormula, tricking users into clicking on them and triggering the installation process.

If you are unsure how LogFormula was installed or suspect that other unwanted programs may be present on your Mac, follow the removal guide below to ensure a thorough cleanup.

Removal instructions for LogFormula browser hijacker

Removing LogFormula from your Mac requires a series of steps and the use of specific tools. Follow the instructions below in the correct order to effectively remove the LogFormula browser hijacker.

Step 1: Remove malicious profiles

Profiles are used by IT admins in businesses to control the behavior of Macs. However, adware and browser hijackers exploit this feature to prevent users from removing malicious programs. In this step, we will check if any configuration profiles are installed on your computer and remove them if found.

1. Open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu.
2. Search for the “Profiles” icon. If no Profiles icon is found, you do not have any profiles installed and can proceed to the next step.
3. If a Profile icon is present, click on it and select any suspicious profile you want to remove. Click the “-” (minus) button and confirm the removal.

Step 2: Delete malicious apps

In this step, we will identify and remove any malicious apps and files that may be installed on your Mac. Adware and browser hijackers often have usable uninstall entries that can be used to remove them.

1. Quit any suspicious programs running on your Mac.
2. Open the Finder application from your dock.
3. Click on “Applications” in the left pane of the Finder window.
4. Locate the malicious app in the Applications screen. Right-click on it and select “Move to Trash”.
5. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the malicious app.
6. Search for and remove any suspicious files in the following locations:
   • /Library/LaunchAgents
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/Application Support
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons

Step 3: Reset browsers back to default settings

Browser settings may have been modified by LogFormula to ensure its persistence. In this step, we will reset your browsers to their default settings to remove any unwanted extensions and restore normal functionality.

Resetting Safari Browser

1. Open Safari and click on the “Safari” menu in the menu bar.
2. Select “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Preferences window, go to the “General” tab and ensure your desired homepage is set.
4. Switch to the “Extensions” tab and remove any suspicious extensions.
5. Go to the “Websites” tab and click on “Notifications”. Deselect the option to allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications.
6. Select the “Privacy” tab and click on “Manage Website Data”. Remove any suspicious entries.
7. Finally, go to the “Advanced” tab and click on “Empty Caches” to clear cached data.

Resetting Chrome for Mac Browser

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to “Settings” in the dropdown menu.
3. Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to expand the settings.
4. Under the “Reset and clean up” section, click on “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
5. Confirm the reset by clicking on the “Reset settings” button.

Resetting Firefox for Mac Browser

1. Open Firefox and click on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Help” from the dropdown menu and click on “Troubleshooting Information”.
3. In the Troubleshooting Information tab, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button.
4. Confirm the refresh by clicking on “Refresh Firefox” in the new window.

How to Stay Safe Online

In addition to removing LogFormula from your Mac, it is important to follow best practices to stay safe online. Here are some essential security tips to protect yourself from malware and other online threats:

1. Use a reliable antivirus software and keep it up-to-date to defend against the latest cyber threats.
2. Regularly update your operating system and software to patch vulnerabilities and protect against known exploits.
3. Exercise caution when installing programs and apps, paying attention to the installation process and avoiding bundled software.
4. Install an ad blocker to prevent malicious ads and pop-ups from compromising your system.
5. Be cautious when downloading files from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or phishing scams.
6. Stay vigilant for social engineering attacks, such as phishing emails or messages, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information.
7. Regularly back up your data to protect against data loss and ransomware attacks.
8. Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
9. Be mindful of where you click online and avoid visiting suspicious websites or downloading files from untrusted sources.
10. Avoid using pirated software, as it often contains malware or other security risks.

By following these security tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections and protect your online privacy.

Conclusion

Removing LogFormula adware from your Mac is crucial to maintain a secure and hassle-free browsing experience. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can effectively eliminate LogFormula and protect your online privacy. Remember to stay vigilant and adopt good security practices to prevent future malware infections.