How to remove the MacRunnerDaemon adware from your operating system?

What is MacRunnerDaemon?

MacRunnerDaemon, or simply MacRunner, is a rogue piece of software belonging to the Pirrit adware family. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., delivering various ads. Additionally, adware usually has data tracking abilities, which are used to collect sensitive information.

MacRunnerDaemon may also display pop-ups offering fake software updates. It is noteworthy that fraudulent updaters are used to proliferate adware, browser hijackers, and other PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). Furthermore, fake updates have been observed being used to infect systems with trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and other types of malware.

MacRunnerDaemon adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of pop-us, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page, and other intrusive adverts. The ads can be displayed on any visited website and/or different interfaces. They severely diminish the browsing experience by limiting site visibility and browsing speed.

These advertisements promote sale-based, misleading, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and malicious websites (e.g., ones running "Your Apple iPhone is severely damaged", "Fake Flash Player Update", "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone", "VPN Update", other scams). What is more, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - when they are clicked on.

Applications like MacRunnerDaemon have been noted delivering pop-up windows, which urge users to update their software. As previously mentioned, this deceptive content is commonly used to infiltrate unwanted and/or malicious programs into devices.

Users who have MacRunnerDaemon installed may also encounter a pop-up stating something akin to "'MacRunnerDaemon' will damage your computer./ This file was downloaded on an unknown date." that warns them that this untrustworthy app is present on their devices.

Most adware-types can track data. Information of interest includes (but is not limited to): URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, and personally identifiable details.

The gathered data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by MacRunnerDaemon
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-AT [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.16210), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.AN), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.s), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to the Pirrit 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), 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.

Adware in general

NetworkSync, AccessibleTask, TypeInitiator, StartEssentials, and CharacterSearch are some examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear legitimate and offer various "handy" functionalities, which are seldom operational. In fact, practically all PUAs use promises of nonexistent features to lure users into download/installation and/or purchase.

The sole aim of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers; it has no genuine value to users. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, force-open untrustworthy and malicious sites, modify browsers (browser hijackers), and collect private data.

How did MacRunnerDaemon install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed via downloaders/installers of other products. This false marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive ads are also used to proliferate PUAs. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user permission. Some PUAs have "official" promotional/download webpages as well.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is highly recommended to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and/or harmful content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, functions, and so forth.

It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing. Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with MacRunnerDaemon, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Files related to the MacRunnerDaemon adware that need to be removed:

• /Library/MacRunnerDaemon/MacRunnerDaemon.app/Contents/MacOS/MacRunnerDaemon
• ~/Library/MacRunner/MacRunner.app/Contents/MacOS/MacRunner

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

Video showing how to remove MacRunnerDaemon adware using Combo Cleaner:

MacRunnerDaemon adware removal:

Remove MacRunnerDaemon-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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