SOLVED CCleaner virus in OS 15

[Michael Devereux]

Last night I updated my M1 Mac (my other computer) from OS 14 to OS 15. When I restarted this morning, every second or so, a CCleaner widow appears in the center of the screen asking to access data on other applications. I've denied the request. But I haven't been able to uninstall or force quit this infected CCleaner application. What to do now?

 

[MacsBug]

You should be able to start your M1 Mac in Safe Mode and then delete the CCleaner software. Safe mode starts the OS without any 3rd party drivers or software.

To startup in safe mode, follow these steps:
1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
2. Wait for your Mac to shut down completely.
3. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.
4. Select a volume.
5. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
6. The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

 

[TonyAguila]

Last night I updated my M1 Mac (my other computer) from OS 14 to OS 15. When I restarted this morning, every second or so, a CCleaner widow appears in the center of the screen asking to access data on other applications. I've denied the request. But I haven't been able to uninstall or force quit this infected CCleaner application. What to do now?

Maybe the request by CCleaner is legitimate. Native and 3rd-party apps that normally have access to certain data can lose that access whenever macOS is updated or upgraded so they will normally request that you reinstate the privileges. I have at least half a dozen apps that do this right after an update/upgrade. The steps are generally innocuous, and in the end you are still master of your Mac.

CCleaner is a legitimate 3rd-party cleaner app but there are several more to try if you are not happy with it, like Onyx and Pearcleaner, to name a few. And it is normal for apps like these to require an update as well whenever you upgrade/update your macOS. It’s a good practice to check these before updating your main system.

 

[Michael Devereux]

Maybe the request by CCleaner is legitimate. Native and 3rd-party apps that normally have access to certain data can lose that access whenever macOS is updated or upgraded so they will normally request that you reinstate the privileges. I have at least half a dozen apps that do this right after an update/upgrade. The steps are generally innocuous, and in the end you are still master of your Mac.

CCleaner is a legitimate 3rd-party cleaner app but there are several more to try if you are not happy with it, like Onyx and Pearcleaner, to name a few. And it is normal for apps like these to require an update as well whenever you upgrade/update your macOS. It’s a good practice to check these before updating your main system.

Thanks for the help, Tony. I notice that CCleaner had some possible hacks in 2017. I've received emails from someone purportedly representing Mac Affee claiming they are deducting $550 from my bank. It's not happened of course, but it makes me suspicious. I did finally start up the computer in safe mode and eliminated Cleaner.

 

[Michael Devereux]

You should be able to start your M1 Mac in Safe Mode and then delete the CCleaner software. Safe mode starts the OS without any 3rd party drivers or software.

To startup in safe mode, follow these steps:
1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
2. Wait for your Mac to shut down completely.
3. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.
4. Select a volume.
5. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
6. The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Thanks, it worked.

 

[TonyAguila]

Thanks for the help, Tony. I notice that CCleaner had some possible hacks in 2017. I've received emails from someone purportedly representing Mac Affee claiming they are deducting $550 from my bank. It's not happened of course, but it makes me suspicious. I did finally start up the computer in safe mode and eliminated Cleaner.

Well, in order to completely purge your system of any app, in this case CCleaner.app, you should use another app for this purpose. My personal favorite is AppCleaner.app from FreeMacSoft. Once you drag the unwanted application file onto AppCleaner, it will collect all of the associated files for you and you can, and should, choose to trash them.