Threat Database Mac Malware Flexible Protocol

Flexible Protocol

Flexible Protocol may look like a reliable Mac application, but this is a deceptive and potentially unwanted app that brings in a browser hijacker. In other words, when this application is installed on your system, it modifies your browser’s settings without your permission. This fact alone is enough for us to see that Flexible Protocol has to be removed immediately. While you are at it, be sure to terminate all the other potentially unwanted apps that could have been added to Mac.

How Did Flexible Protocol Get Here?

To have your browser settings modified, you need to install the Flexible Protocol app on your Mac. If you do not remember setting Flexible Protocol up, there is no need to worry. Such apps often get added to the system because it comes bundled with another program that you probably wanted. Flexible Protocol and other similar apps could be added as extra or freebies. It also means that users can choose to NOT install such applications, as well, but they are often too distracted to notice all the additional apps and features when they go through a setup. We would just like to say that if you can choose Advanced or Custom setup when you install a new program, do so because that is where you can toggle additional setup options.

In other cases, Flexible Protocol might also be downloaded directly from a page that promotes it as a useful tool. This application is marketed as a browser component that can display commercial content when you browse the web. The commercial content in question includes banners, pop-ups, press notices, video clips, and so on. Although being aware of such content may enrich your browsing experience, there are certain negative aspects of such app behavior that we cannot overlook.

The Risks that Come with Flexible Protocol

Browser hijackers cannot cripple your system or steal your personally identifiable information. They are not that kind of cybersecurity threats. Nevertheless, Flexible Protocol can inadvertently expose you to risky websites. Since this app modifies your browser’s settings, it tracks your information when you browse the web, and then the collected information can be used for targeted advertising. In a sense, Flexible Protocol works like a vessel for commercial content that is marketed specifically for you.

The primary security risk that comes with it is third-party content that does not get screened. Flexible Protocol and other similar apps do not review the content they promote. Consequently, this security loop can be exploited by cybercriminals that could eventually result in phishing scams and even malware infections. Therefore, when you experience unsolicited browser settings modifications and you see that Flexible Protocol gets set up as your default search provider, that is something that should be dealt with immediately.

How to Delete Flexible Protocol

As mentioned, Flexible Protocol is a regular Mac app, so you can delete it by opening Finder and going to the Applications menu. It would also be a good idea to remove all the other unfamiliar or suspicious apps that you find on the list.

If you do not know which apps are unwanted or potentially harmful, you can scan your system with a Mac security tool. A full system scan will indicate all the threats, and you will be able to delete them automatically. This way, you will make sure that your Mac is clean and protected.

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