How to remove apps causing redirects to the penit.xyz scam website

What is the penit[.]xyz site?

penit[.]xyz is an untrustworthy website running various schemes. This page has been observed promoting versions of the "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone" and "VPN Update" scams, mainly targeting iPhone users.

Schemes of this type operate by presenting visitors with misleading or outright deceptive information to trick them into downloading/installing and purchasing dubious products. These scams typically endorse fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers, and other Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs).

They may even promote trojans, ransomware, and other malware. People usually access scam sites via mistyped URLs, or redirects caused by intrusive advertisements, or installed PUAs.

The "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone" scam claims that visitors' mobile devices have been infected with malware. If the nonexistent threats are not addressed, the scheme states that their iPhones will experience further damage. The scam also provides steps about how to download/install an app supposedly capable of eliminating the fake viruses.

The other scam run on penit[.]xyz, "VPN Update" urges users to install a free VPN tool to continue watching online content safely. Note that no website can detect threats/issues present on visitors' devices - any that claim this are scams. Therefore, trusting the information promoted by penit[.]xyz can lead to severe problems.

As mentioned, potentially unwanted applications are commonly promoted by deceptive/scam sites. Despite their legitimate appearance, these apps are rarely operational. Fake anti-viruses are prime examples of this - they require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the functionalities, yet following activation, remain nonoperational.

Furthermore, PUAs have dangerous capabilities. Some can force-open untrustworthy and malicious websites (including penit[.]xyz). Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Once clicked, the delivered ads redirect to dangerous pages and can stealthily download/install rogue software.

Browser hijackers modify browser settings and restrict/deny access to them to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers are rarely able to provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate search engines.

Most PUAs have data tracking capabilities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details. The collected data is then monetized by sharing with and selling to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, financial losses, serious privacy issues, and identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:

Name	penit.xyz pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim	One of the promoted scams claims that visitors' devices are infected, the other urges them to install a VPN app.
Detection Names	Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), Full List (VirusTotal)
Promoted Unwanted Application	Various dubious applications
Serving IP Address	104.21.8.245
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.

Phone-security[.]me, customers-info[.]space, app-department[.]report, protectad[.]online, and tionscalen[.]top are some examples of sites similar to penit[.]xyz.

The internet is rife with deceptive content. Popular scam models include: warnings that the device is infected, alerts that a crucial piece of software is outdated or missing, fake prize giveaways, "unbelievable" deals, and so on.

Regardless of what online schemes promise, offer, warn, request or demand, the purpose is identical: to generate profit for the scammers/cyber criminals behind them. Due to the widespread nature of these scams, you are strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission.

Some PUAs have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.

Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.

Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.

Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.

Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.

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

Text presented in the "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone" scam run on penit[.]xyz website:

Pop-up:

 

(1) SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
Please Read Important Notification Regarding Your iOS Device.

OK

-----------

 

Background page:

 

Apple SecurityMonday
1 March 2021
(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone and battery has been infected and damaged.

 

If you do not remove this malware now, it may cause more damage to your device. How to fix this:

 

Step 1: Tap the button below & install the recommended virus protection tool for free from the AppStore.

 

Step 2: Run the app to remove all malware to repair your phone to 100%

1 minutes and 46 seconds

Download and Install

Detected By Apple.

Appearance of the background page of this scam:

Appearance of the "VPN Update" scam run on penit[.]xyz website:

Text presented in this scam:

VPN Update

Please Download The Free VPN App To Continue Watching in safe mode

 

Install

0:11 / 1:38

Appearance of the application promoted by both of the scams run on penit[.]xyz website:

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

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 "penit[.]xyz"?
• 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 adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

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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