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MixBuilder Virus (Mac)

Also Known As: MixBuilder adware
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is MixBuilder?

MixBuilder is a potentially unwanted app (PUA) classified as adware. If this app is installed, it indicates that there are more adware-type apps already installed on the system. MixBuilder app is installed through other ad-supportive software without users' consent.

Users with apps of this type installed on their systems are continually served with unwanted ads. Furthermore, PUAs often gather information relating to users' browsing habits.

MixBuilder adware

When installed, these PUAs deploy intrusive ads, such as pop-up ads, coupons, banners, surveys, etc. Generally, they are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, ads displayed by adware conceal underlying content of visited websites.

This can be very frustrating. When clicked, they cause unwanted redirects, opening untrustworthy websites that often contain/promote malicious software. Clicking these ads often allows them to run scripts designed to download and install various PUAs.

Furthermore, these PUAs usually record user-system information relating to browsing activity such as IP addresses, geolocations, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, and other data. These apps sometimes target personal, sensitive details. Developers share the information with third parties who misuse it to generate revenue.

Some of these third parties might be cyber criminals. If you discover aware-type (or other) PUAs installed, remove them immediately, since they can lead to problems with browsing safety, online privacy, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name MixBuilder adware
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus.
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), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying 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.

ChangeToPDF, PDF Mac Master, and Snap Media Player are just some examples of other adware-type apps that operate in a similar way to MixBuilder. Developers present these apps as useful tools that supposedly provide various features and other benefits.

In fact, they cause unwanted redirects, display ads, and gather data. They are used to generate revenue for their developers and deliver none of the promoted functions.

How did MixBuilder install on my computer?

In this particular case, MixBuilder is installed through other adware. Typically, rogue software is installed through another package when developers use the "bundling" method. They include (bundle) unwanted apps into software set-ups, hiding them in settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar parts.

Furthermore, many people download and install software without checking settings, thereby causing unwanted installations. Clicking intrusive ads capable of executing scripts also cause unwanted downloads and installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Browse the web and download all software with care. Download using official and trustworthy websites, and not third party downloaders, unofficial websites, torrent clients, eMule or other Peer-to-Peer networks. Check "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings when downloading and installing software, especially if it is free software.

Ensure that you opt-out of offers to install potentially unwanted applications. Furthermore, avoid clicking ads displayed on dubious web pages, since they might open other sites relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. If these redirects happen without clicking any ads, or unwanted ads appear on all pages, this might be due to installed PUAs.

Check the list of installed browser extensions, plug-ins and add-ons, and remove all suspicious/unwanted entries immediately. The same applies to unwanted programs installed on the computer/operating system. If your computer is already infected with MixBuilder, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

File locations of MixBuilder adware:

  • /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.HermesLookupDaemon.plist
  • /Library/Application Support/com.HermesLookupDaemon/HermesLookup
  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.HermesLookup.plist
  • ~/Library/Application Support/com.HermesLookup/HermesLookup

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:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

MixBuilder adware removal:

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

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

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

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

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

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

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

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

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

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

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

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

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

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

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

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

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

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
MixBuilder adware QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of MixBuilder adware on your mobile device.
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