How to remove the MatrixObsession adware-type app from your Mac

What kind of application is MatrixObsession?

While browsing new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered the MatrixObsession app. Upon inspection, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. MatrixObsession operates by running intrusive ad campaigns, and it may possess other harmful abilities.

MatrixObsession adware overview

As is implied by its classification, adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This is typically achieved by feeding users with undesirable and dangerous ads. The third-party graphical content (e.g., coupons, banners, pop-ups, overlays, surveys, etc.) can be placed on various interfaces.

Adware-displayed advertisements can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

It must be mentioned that while genuine content may be encountered through these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if MatrixObsession does not display adverts – it endangers device and user safety.

While AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking functionalities – we did not observe these qualities while testing the MatrixObsession adware.

Another potential ability of this rogue application is data tracking. Software within this classification usually targets browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like MatrixObsession on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by MatrixObsession
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload malware family.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

We have examined thousands of adware samples; LocalAdmin, GlobalAppSearch, Unrented.app, and VirtualDock are merely a few of our newest articles on this software.

Adware tends to appear harmless and offers various useful functions. In most cases, the promised functionalities are fake and nonoperational, as their only purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing. However, even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did MatrixObsession install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. These pages can be accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute this software. The threat of bundled content infiltrating the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MatrixObsession, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once MatrixObsession adware's installation is over:

MatrixObsession adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is MatrixObsession?
• STEP 1. Remove MatrixObsession related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove MatrixObsession ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove MatrixObsession adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove MatrixObsession ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove MatrixObsession adware using Combo Cleaner:

MatrixObsession adware removal:

Remove MatrixObsession-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.

After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-delivered ads promote content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Due to the fact that adware often has data-tracking functionalities – it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, tools, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove MatrixObsession adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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