How to remove PathBrand adware from the system

What is PathBrand?

PathBrand is yet another rogue adware-type application identical to SimpleProExtension, Resourcetools, and a number of others. Once installed, this application redirects users to a dubious website (which in turn redirects users to the Google search engine) when they enter a search query into the URL bar.

Therefore, users are redirected using the following pattern: search query -> dubious website -> Google search engine. Applications of this type also display intrusive advertisements and gather user-system information. Note that adware-type apps usually infiltrate computers without users' permission.

As mentioned above, PathBrand redirects users to a dubious website which, in turn, redirects users to the Google search engine. Therefore, no matter which search engine is set as the default, users end up searching the web via Google. Other unwanted applications from this adware family are known to promote the Yahoo and Bing web search engines.

These sites are legitimate and are not associated with these rogue applications - they are probably used to generate traffic or to gather data (search queries, IP addresses, etc.). These potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are also likely to deliver intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, pop-ups, and similar).

These usually redirect to dubious websites and can even execute scripts that download other potentially unwanted/malicious applications. Therefore, clicking them is risky and can result in high-risk computer infections. Ads of this type are often displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.

Thus, they often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. Data tracking is also an issue. PUAs often record IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other similar information relating to browsing activity.

The data is likely to contain personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people misuse private data to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Remove PathBrand and all other PUAs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	PathBrand potentially unwanted application
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (PathBrand.app.zip)	Full List (VirusTotal)
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), 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.

The internet is full of adware-type applications (e.g., StudyDisplay, PDF Genie, and 1 Click PDF) that are all very similar. PUAs offer "useful features", however, these claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install.

The only purpose of these applications is to help developers generate revenue. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, unwanted applications cause redirects, deliver advertisements, and gather information.

How did PathBrand install on my computer?

Some PUAs have official download websites, however, most are proliferated using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software. Developers know that many users rush download/installation processes and skip steps.

Therefore, "bundled" apps are concealed behind "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. By clicking advertisements, rushing and skipping download/installation steps, many users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements usually seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, however, they often redirect to dubious websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, and similar).

If you experience these ads/redirects, remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Additionally, we strongly advise you to pay close attention during the download/installation processes. Carefully analyze each step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Opt-out of additionally-included applications and decline offers to download/install them.

You are advised to download apps from official sources only, preferably using direct download links. Criminals often monetize third party downloaders/installers by promoting ("bundling") rogue apps, and thus such tools should not be used. The key to computer safety is caution.

If your computer is already infected with PathBrand, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once PathBrand installation is over:

PathBrand adware executable and files:

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

Video showing how to remove PathBrand adware using Combo Cleaner:

PathBrand adware removal:

Remove PathBrand-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.

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