YouTube is the best place on the internet for finding videos on almost any subject you can imagine, and there may be times when you want to download a copy of a certain video. After all, videos come and go, and your favorite one may not be hosted on YouTube forever.
Running a web search for a YouTube downloader may result in a popular service known as Ytmp3, which converts YouTube videos into MP3s. But wait. Before you visit Ytmp3’s website, there are a few things you need to know about the service and what the consequences may be for your computer or smartphone if you use it. Is Ytmp3 safe? We aim to answer that.
What is Ytmp3?
Ytmp3 is a YouTube downloader website that converts audio from YouTube videos into MP3 format. The website’s code itself is safe, but its server is another story.
Once you input a YouTube link and attempt to download the MP3, Ytmp3’s server pushes adware on you, with a multitude of pop-ups that contain malware-infected links. These may force browser redirections on your device or trick you into downloading virus-infected files and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
What’s even more insidious is that the infections can continue even after you’ve left the website. If you grant Ytmp3 permission to send you notifications, it will follow you around the internet and provide even more pop-up ads, malware-infected links, and PUP downloads.
How does Ytmp3 actually work?
Ytmp3 asks you to specify the YouTube video link you would like to convert into an audio file. Then, it extracts the audio, bundles it into an MP3 file, and provides a download link.
However, it provides a lot more than that, as we’ll see below in more detail. Downloading the actual file is a problematic process, as it disguises malware links as legitimate-looking links, and pop-up ads complicate the situation even more.
It’s also worth noting that using any downloader tool like this violates YouTube’s terms of service.
Is Ytmp3.cc a virus?
We need to separate the website from their server here. The website itself — the way it’s coded and designed — is perfectly fine. There’s no malicious website code waiting to attack you when you arrive. The problems lie beneath the surface, on the server that hosts the site.
It’s generally acknowledged that Ytmp3.cc’s server is teeming with viruses, malware, and unwanted programs (PUPs).
In other words, Ytmp3.cc itself is not a virus. But the underlying architecture that hosts the site is a hotbed of viruses and other potentially dangerous issues lurking in the background.
Is Ytmp3 safe to use?
Ytmp3 is definitely not safe to use. As we said, the site itself won’t cause any problems. The bad experiences start when you attempt to use the site to convert a YouTube video link. That’s when Ytmp3’s servers start pushing all manner of adware, malware, and browser redirections at you.
How can you remove a Ytmp3.cc virus?
While Ytmp3.cc isn’t a virus, it can lead to a malware infection. Fortunately, a quick and easy way to remove viruses and malware is to use CleanMyMac powered by Moonlock Engine.
Here’s how to remove a virus caused by Ytmp3.cc:
- Open CleanMyMac and select the Protection module on the left. If it’s your first time using the software, select Configure Scan first to select what you want to be scanned. We recommend selecting everything.
- Click Scan, and CleanMyMac will start methodically searching your Mac, looking for threats.
- When it’s found all the threats, it will present them all to you in an orderly list. Select all the known issues and click Remove.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to delete your YouTube history to further protect your account from any potential misuse.
How to remove Ytmp3.cc extensions from your browser
One of the negative results of using Ytmp3.cc is that your browser can be infected with malicious extensions without your knowledge. Here’s how to completely remove them.
Get rid of browser extensions from Ytmp3.cc in Chrome
Here’s how to remove browser extensions in Google Chrome:
- Click the 3 vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser screen. When the menu drops down, select Extensions > Manage Extensions.
- In the Manage Extensions page, locate any unwanted extensions and click the Remove button underneath. You’ll be asked to confirm, and then the extension will be deleted.
To be on the safe side, you should also run CleanMyMac powered by Moonlock Engine. Let it scan for any detritus that Ytmp3.cc left. There may be cookies and other files that need to be removed.
Remove browser extensions from Ytmp3.cc in Safari
Removing a malicious extension from Ytmp3.cc on Safari is equally straightforward:
- Open Safari and go to the Settings menu.
- Open the Extensions tab. Select the extension you want to remove and click Uninstall.
As with the Chrome extension removal method, you should also run CleanMyMac afterward. Let it scan for any leftover files from Ytmp3.cc, such as unwanted cookies.
What are the warning signs of a Ytmp3.cc virus?
How do you know for sure that your machine has been infected by the Ytmp3.cc virus? If you’ve recently used Ytmp3 and suddenly begin to experience problems, malware from the site could be the culprit.
Here are some telltale signs:
- Your default browser has been changed without your permission.
- You’re being redirected to another search engine.
- Numerous pop-up ads are appearing all over your screen.
- Other malware appears on your machine, such as spyware or ransomware.
How to safeguard yourself from Ytmp3.cc malware
We’ll finish with some tips on how to safeguard yourself from Ytmp3 viruses and malware.
Don’t click any ads or unknown links on the website
Using Ytmp3 requires the user to click at least 1 link in order to download the MP3 file. You’re best off not clicking any ads at all on the website. At the very least, install an adblocker before clicking the download link to stop ads from loading and new pages from opening.
Install CleanMyMac on your Mac
The best way to discover malware and viruses from the get-go is to have a third-party malware detection program installed on your machine. We recommend CleanMyMac powered by Moonlock Engine.
CleanMyMac will alert you when a virus appears so you can purge it before it does any damage.
Subscribe to YouTube Premium
If you’re really determined to download YouTube videos, why not do it the legal way? By subscribing to YouTube Premium, you can download videos to your MacBook for offline viewing.
It’s $12.99 a month, but it’s better than your Mac being overrun by viruses that are difficult to remove. If you pay annually, you’ll get 2 months free.
Don’t use third-party YouTube downloaders
Ultimately, the best way to avoid a Ytmp3 virus is simply to not use it — or any third-party YouTube downloading service. Many of them have associated risks, including potential exposure to malware. Since it’s difficult to determine which services are trustworthy (if any), it’s best to steer clear of all of them.
It’s understandable to want to keep a copy of an entertaining and memorable YouTube video. However, using a YouTube downloader like Ytmp3 carries certain risks. As well as technically violating YouTube’s terms of service, using a web downloader also brings a heightened risk of malware and viruses.
Protect yourself by not using these downloading tools, and if you think you’ve got malware on your MacBook, use the tips outlined above to fix the problem. Maybe downloading that YouTube video isn’t worth the hassle.
This is an independent publication, and it has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Mac and MacBook are trademarks of Apple Inc. YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC.
