How do I remove the Cisco VPN from my MacBook Air if I never installed it?

Hi,

I booted up my MacBook Air only to see a Cisco symbol in the menu bar. It keeps trying to connect to my VPN. However, I never downloaded a VPN or installed any Safari extensions. I downloaded Malware and no detections of malware. Is this something built into the OS? I'm on the last update Sequoia 15.6.1. I have no clue how this is on my laptop. How do I remove it? Thanks!



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Cisco VPN appeared on MacBook Air

Posted on Aug 21, 2025 01:34 PM

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31 replies

Aug 24, 2025 10:30 AM in response to Jackie615

Avira does offer 2 additional methods that may work to remove that System Extension. The first one is with the uninstaller and the second is without it.


The other file that still needs removed is com.piriform.ccleaner.CCleanerAgent.plist. In the Finder, choose the Go menu in the menubar and choose Go to Folder. Enter /Library/LaunchDaemons, and you will see that file where you can move it to the trash and empty it. Follow that up with a restart.


Sophos is another difficult to remove piece of software without its uninstaller. You can check here for a removal tool.

https://support.home.sophos.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005499786-Uninstalling-Sophos-Home-on-Mac-computers?source=search


While that is just one of the reasons why we never recommend to install any of these types of software (Cleaners, AntiVirus, VPN), I understand they are heavily marketed as providing security and performance improvements and that is simply not the case. You are not alone and many others fall for their marketing as well and don't realize that these companies intentionally make it difficult to remove their software.


I am not opposed to the suggestion by Owl-53 for the "Nuke" option to set up your device again from a Time Machine backup by only importing your User Account. It can be difficult and time consuming to remove every System Extension you have there, but I am willing to help in any way I can. At his point I will refrain from posting the difficult instruction for removal depending on what you are able to accomplish and if you have reached your goal of removing the icon in your menubar.

How do I remove the Cisco VPN from my MacBook Air if I never installed it?

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