Mac Virus

TokenCollective Adware (Mac) Removal

TokenCollective is a Mac virus that can downgrade your computer performance and risk your privacy. It is capable of showing unwanted and annoying advertisements on Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox browser. It can bring other dangerous threats to your Mac if not removed on time. Read this guide to know how to delete TokenCollective virus from your Mac.

SpyHunter for Mac

Some threats keep getting back on Mac if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your mac and delete all threats at once.

Special Offer SpyHunter for Mac offers a 15-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter for Mac Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

TokenCollective on Mac

TokenCollective is yet another potentially unwanted program (PUP) for macOS. This dubious threat is capable of silently intruding on your Mac and modifying several important settings. It can hijack the main web browser on the device to change the search engine and display unwanted ads during web browsing. Most of the users have reported TokenCollective as an unreliable and misleading program with the persistent nature of showing an excessive amount of annoying advertisements on the system.

Like any other unwanted program, TokenCollective sneaks into your Mac through illegal means. It will hide in your system and make several unwanted changes without your permission. At first, you might notice some common ads while browsing the Internet, then some pop-ups and notifications will start showing asking you to click on some links or download some other programs. Actually, it is a tactic used to earn commission by referring to other sites or unwanted programs. Many people might ignore such behaviour, but these actions can lead to further malware infiltration.

What to do after detection

The best course of action after detecting any such activity is to uninstall the application first. But most of the time it is not as easy to remove programs like TokenCollective as any other legitimate program. This kind of threat creates multiple files on the operating system to avoid their removal at once. Usually, when a threat like this alters your Mac, it first tries modifying primary browser settings which include changing the homepage and pointing the main search engine to a fake one. Then it will try to stop you from accessing legitimate search tools like Google, Yahoo, or Bing.

TokenCollective Mac Virus

Being an adware infection, it can easily deteriorate a user’s web browsing experience by showing tons of unwanted and annoying ads, pop-ups, banners, surveys, and so on. Promotional materials delivered by TokenCollective will not slow down your Mac but also cause forced redirection of your browser on suspicious websites. Cybercriminals often deploy such methods to bring extra traffic to their websites to generate revenue and spread malware online.

Risks related to potentially unwanted programs

Some people may ignore the ads and browser redirection caused by TokenCollective virus but it is not good for their system. There are many risks of this type of infection which may not be clear at the time but can cause serious damage later. Firstly these kinds of PUPs are used for malware distribution through ads which most people might ignore. It may bring harmful programs to your Mac without your knowledge.

Browser hijacking capabilities also give TokenCollective virus complete authority to monitor users’ online activities and collect personal data. It can gather all the surfing history, search queries, saved passwords, Geo-location, IP address, and other crucial information. It may also transfer that collected information to a remote server to be used for personalized ads or sold to third parties. Your complete privacy can be at risk in no time and you might become a victim of cyber fraud. It is very important to get rid of TokenCollective if you want to protect your privacy and system security.

TokenCollective extension and hidden files

Upon successful infiltration of your Mac, TokenCollective may bring some add-ons or extensions to your computer. It may also create some hidden files in the system library which may come back after removal. So you will need to delete all the related files for the successful elimination of this threat from your Mac. You might need to combine both the manual and automatic removal processes to effectively remove this threat. You can find this browser hijacker operating as an extension.

TokenCollective: Threat Analysis

Name TokenCollective
Type Adware
Threat Level High (source to distribute other harmful threats).
Symptoms Users can experience changes in their browsers and excessive amounts of annoying pop-up ads.
Distribution It could be distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites.
Damage It can modify browsers, show unwanted Ads, steal personal info and bring other threats.
Removal Download SpyHunter For Mac

TokenCollective distribution is a bit tricky

Most people might ask how this infection first came on their Mac if they never downloaded it. So they need to understand that developers of threats like TokenCollective are highly motivated to illegal profits online. They use PPC campaigns to promote their dubious program and most ads are not checked for any malicious codes or programs.

Software bundling is also a very common method used by cybercriminals to promote unwanted potentially dangerous programs. Browsing to porn or torrent sites and downloading cracked software or illegal files may bring this infection to your system. Clicking on misleading ads and pop-ups or allowing fake push notifications may also drop malicious codes on your computer.

Block TokenCollective virus on your Mac

As you know the harmful intentions of this nasty malware, it is advised to block this virus on your Mac. You need to take quick action to eliminate TokenCollective and stop all the ads, pop-ups, and redirections caused by these programs. It is very important for the safety of your computer as well as your privacy. It might not be easy to remove, so we suggest combining automatic and manual removal methods for successful elimination. Using a powerful anti-malware tool will be a good idea as it will not only save your time and effort but also ensure the complete removal of the virus. We have created a step-by-step guide to guide you through the process.

How To Remove TokenCollective

Follow this guide carefully to remove this virus completely from your system. Below you can find step-by-step instructions on how to effectively get rid of this nasty threat easily. Removal of threats like TokenCollective Virus is never easy, so we have simplified the process for you in several small steps.

Quick Summary of Removal Instructions:

  1. Automatic TokenCollective Removal Guide
  2. Manual TokenCollective Removal Guide
  3. Stop Malicious Program From Activity Monitor
  4. Remove Virus From Application Folder
  5. Remove Virus Related Files From Mac
  6. Remove Infection From Your Browser
  7. Reset Browser Setting to Default
  8. Prevent TokenCollective Virus in Future

Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the removal process because you may need to restart your PC or browser.

Automatic TokenCollective Removal Guide

As you already know, TokenCollective is a notorious and cunning malware that is not hard to remove easily by any user through manual means. This virus can keep coming back on the infected computer through files and shortcuts or settings that it has already created on your machine. Removing all those at once is the only way to get rid of this infection and stop it from getting into your system ever again.

So the best way to remove TokenCollective effectively is to use a powerful Automatic Removal Tool and save your time and efforts. This software is a well-trusted and very powerful anti-malware program that can detect all hidden threats like Trojan, Ransomware, Worms, Spyware, Rootkits, and many others. It is a pretty advanced and effective Mac optimization tool that also provides 24X7 customer support. SpyHunter for Mac is the best app to ensure your Mac’s safety and keep it fast like new always. If you value your Mac then it is the most important application for you. Try this software once and you will never have to worry about any malware attacks.

How SpyHunter for Mac Works

  • First, you will have to click on the below download button to get SpyHunter Mac Anti-malware.

Geek’s Recommendation

Threats like TokenCollective keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your Mac and delete all threats at once.

Special Offer SpyHunter for Mac offers a 15-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter for Mac Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
  • After the download, go to the Download Folder from the Docs and Install the SpyHunter For Mac Anti-Malware.

Install SpyHunter for Mac

  • Once the application is installed launch the Program, and click on Start Scan Now button.

Spyhunter for Mac start scan now

  • The software will start running a full scan of your mac instantly to look for any malware, virus, threats, malicious programs or security risks, and so on.

Spyhunter for mac scanning

  • Finally, you will see a list of malware detected on your mac, now click on the Next button to start the removal process.

Remove Malware with spyhunter for mac

Manual TokenCollective Removal Guide

Before you start Manual Removal

Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin Manual Removal:

  1. You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing viruses manually;
  2. That you know your way around Mac and  all necessary process and applications;
  3. You know about LibraryAgents and the serious repercussions of any mistake;
  4. Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during manual removal.

If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the Automatic Removal Method, which is totally secure and efficient.

Special Offer SpyHunter for Mac offers a 15-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter for Mac Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Stop Malicious Program From Activity Monitor

  • First, you need to open Utilities folder on your Mac system.
  • Find the Activity Monitor icon and double-click on it to open.
  • Find TokenCollective related process, and click the cross button from the upper left side corner to end the task.

Activity monitor

  • A pop-up dialogue box will appear on the screen and click on the Force Quit button.

Force Quit

Remove Virus From Application Folder

  • First, go to the Dock option (bottom of your screen) then click on Finder App.
  • Now you have to open the Applications Folders to see all the programs.
  • Find TokenCollective or any other unwanted program then move it to Trash.

Remove TokenCollective From Mac

Remove Virus Related Files From Mac

When any program is installed on your Mac, it creates several files on your system that support the functioning of that application. If you need to remove any virus from your Mac, then you need to delete all related files completely. These files could be found at :

  1. LaunchAgents
  2. Application Support
  3. LaunchDaemons

Follow the below steps to remove virus related files from these locations:

  • First of all press the Command+Shift+G buttons together on your keyboard.

command+shift+g

  • Now you can see the Go To Folder option on your Mac screen.
  • Type in /Library/LaunchAgents in the text field and click on the Go button.

Go to folder

  • Find and remove any TokenCollective related or malicious file.

Remove TokenCollective From LaunchAgents

Now follow the same process for Application Support and LaunchDaemons folders. But be careful, don’t delete any important files or you can break down your entire system.

Attention: Don’t go meddling around and deleting files that you don’t know about. Removing any wrong file may damage your Mac. So you are advised to download SpyHunter Mac Anti-Malware and run a thorough scan of your system for threats and viruses.

Special Offer SpyHunter for Mac offers a 15-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter for Mac Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Remove Infection From Your Browser

Threats like TokenCollective often install malicious extensions to the browser on the infected machine and make several unwanted changes to the browser settings. You might experience forced browser redirection, lots of annoying pop-up ads, and commercials on your browser due to this. You will need to remove the infection from your browser to put an end to such activities and block the regeneration of malware on your system.

Remove TokenCollective From Apple Safari

  • Launch the Safari browser on your Mac then click on the Safari menu and select the Preferences option from the drop-down list.
  • Now to see the list of all installed extensions on your browser click on the Extensions tab.
  • Find the virus related extension and click Uninstall button then again click the Uninstall button to remove the extension completely.

Remove TokenCollective From Safari

Remove TokenCollective From Google Chrome

Note: Type or copy-paste – chrome://extensions in the URL bar of Google Chrome then press the ENTER button to open the extensions page directly or follow the below steps.

  • Launch the Google Chrome browser on your Mac, then click the Menu (â‹®) option that you can find in the upper right corner of your browser.
  • Chrome drop-down menu will instantly appear, click on More tools then select the Extensions option to see all installed Extensions on your chrome.
  • Find any virus related or suspicious extension then click the trash can icon to remove it completely.

Remove TokenCollective From Google Chrome

Remove TokenCollective From Mozilla Firefox

Note: Type or copy-paste – about:addons in the URL bar of Firefox then hit ENTER button to open the extensions page directly or follow the below steps.

  • Launch the Mozilla Firefox browser on your Mac and then click on the Menu (☰) option which you can find in the upper right corner of the browser.
  • You will see a drop-down menu instantly, click on the Add-ons option from that menu.
  • On the left sidebar, you will see the Extensions option, click on it to see all installed extensions on your browser.
  • Look for any suspicious or potentially unwanted extension then click on the Remove button to get rid of it immediately.

Remove TokenCollective From Mozilla Firefox

Reset Browser Setting to Default

Once you remove the malicious extensions from your browser, you might want to reset the browser to default settings to reset any changes made by them. Follow the below steps for that :

Reset Safari To Default

  • Open your Safari browser, tap on the Safari menu and select the Reset Safari option.
  • Now check all the boxes and then finally click on the Reset button.

Reset Safari

Reset Google Chrome Web Browser

  • Open Google Chrome, click on Menu (â‹®) then select the settings option.
  • On the Settings page, scroll down to the bottom, and click the Show Advanced settings option.
  • From Reset and clean up click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
  • Finally, click on the Reset Settings button to reset your chrome browser.

Reset Google Chrome

Refresh Mozilla Firefox Browser

  • Open Mozilla Firefox browser, click on Menu (☰) option, and select the (?) icon.
  • Click on the Troubleshooting Information option from the drop-down menu.
  • Then press the Refresh Firefox button and give confirmation.

Once you are done with these settings hopefully your problem is solved. If not, then you can also always download the Mac Anti-virus Program mentioned in this article to get rid of all the threats and viruses automatically. You can also take some precautions to avoid similar malware attacks in the future. Follow the below steps to improve the security of your Mac system.

Prevent TokenCollective in Future

  • Get a powerful Anti-Malware or Anti-virus to fight cyber threats. Free versions do not offer the best protection and cracked security programs can do more damage than good.
  • Always keep your Mac firewall active, and your OS updated along with other important programs. Only download updates from official sites or reliable sources.
  • Check HTTPS before entering your email, password, credit card details, etc. to any site. Do not visit sites that do not have SSL security. Also, don’t forget to Enable Phishing and Malware protection in Browser.
  • Do not download or install any type of pirated software, games, or illegal patches. Avoid using shady sites to acquire freeware programs because they often use software bundling. Never install a program that asks you to inactivate your anti-virus software.
  • Avoid opening spam emails from unknown senders.  Always scan all the email attachments before opening them. Never click on any suspicious links with some too good to be true offers.
  • Connecting your Mac or iOS devices to unsafe public Wi-Fi is not a good idea. You can also avoid unwanted threats coming from malicious sites by using a VPN to spoof your connection.
  • Keep regular backups of all your important data on external hard drives or cloud drives to avoid data loss in case of a ransomware attack. Also, create a Mac Time Machine backup for security purposes.

About the author

Robert Calvert

Robert is the Chief Security Expert and Founder of PCSafetyGeek.com website. He is a cybersecurity enthusiast who loves to research about Malware outbreaks and write about their remedies. He also like to spend time trying new software, reviewing them and sharing IT news. However he is a real coffee lover and likes to play chess in spare time (which is quite rare 😜).

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