PDFSpark Unwanted Application (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "PDFSpark"?
Developers present the PDFSpark application as a Mac tool capable of opening, converting, and annotating PDF files. These features may seem useful, however, this app is promoted using the "bundling" method. Apps promoted in this way are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
Furthermore, PDFSpark is also used to proliferate unwanted apps (they are bundled with its installer). Typically, most users install these apps unintentionally.
In this situation, unwanted app proliferate other PUAs. Therefore, if PDFSpark is installed on your system, it is very likely that other adware-type apps have also been installed. Having apps of this type installed forces users to experience advertisements. These PUAs also collect user-system information.
Generally, they display ads such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and others that conceal underlying content of visited websites. If clicked, they can open untrustworthy (potentially, malicious) websites that cause unwanted redirects. Furthermore, some are designed to run scripts that download and install other unwanted apps or even malware.
Another downside of having PUAs installed is information tracking. When installed, PUAs gather data relating to users' browsing habits, and also other personal information. Developers share the information with third parties (cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.
Apps that operate as information tracking tools (and cause unwanted redirects through intrusive ads) can cause privacy issues, problems with browsing safety, computer infections, or even identity theft. We recommend that you uninstall all unwanted apps immediately.
Name | PDFSpark potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady 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. |
Most PUAs are promoted as legitimate and useful tools. In this case, PDFSpark is supposedly capable of converting PDF files and providing other features, however, developers use it to promote unwanted (adware-type) apps. These PUAs are used to generate revenue and having them installed can lead to potentially serious problems.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some PUAs have download websites from which potential users can download them, however, people usually install apps of this type unintentionally. PUA developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling".
This method is the reason behind most unwanted installations and is used to trick people into installing (and downloading) unwanted apps with other, regular software.
Any information relating to the inclusion of these apps in installation or download set-ups is not properly disclosed - they are hidden in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings download/installation procedures. Furthermore, many users allow these apps to be installed when they leave all available settings unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Careless behaviour often causes installation or download of potentially unwanted applications. To avoid this, do not to rush software download/installation (especially for freeware) without checking all available "Custom", "Advanced and other similar settings.
Opt-out of offers to download or install unwanted apps and only then finish the entire download or installation procedure. Download software using official websites and direct links. Do not use third party software downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrents, eMule and other such tools/sources.
Furthermore, many intrusive ads seem legitimate but often cause redirects to dubious websites (such as pornography, adult dating, gambling, and so on). If you encounter these redirects or ads, check the list of installed extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins on your browser.
Uninstall unwanted, unknown or suspicious apps immediately. Additionally, check installed programs and remove any unwanted entries. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting PDFSpark application:
Screenshot of PDFSpark application:
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 "PDFSpark"?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PDFSpark unwanted application using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove 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.
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