How to uninstall the Mulkey adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Mulkey?
Mulkey is an adware-type application. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Additionally, most similar adware-types have browser-hijacker traits (i.e., browser modification in promotion of fake search engines) and have data tracking abilities. Hence, Mulkey likely has such functionalities.
Due to the questionable methods used to distribute Mulkey, it is classified as an unwanted application. This app has been observed being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that fraudulent updaters/installers proliferate not only dubious apps but also malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).
Mulkey adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited website and/or different interfaces. This software can deliver various pop-ups, banners, coupons, full-page, and other intrusive ads. These advertisements seriously diminish the browsing experience by overlaying site content and slowing down the browsing speed.
Furthermore, intrusive adverts endanger device and user safety. They promote sale-based, rogue, misleading, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and even malicious websites. Some of these ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts designed to stealthily download/install software.
Browser hijackers operate by reassigning browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Fraudulent search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can reset any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, restoring an affected browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
What is more, most unwanted apps (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. It is crucial to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by Mulkey |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (mulkeyd) | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-BM [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22814), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.aa), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (mulkey) | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-BM [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22870), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.aa), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (VersionCheck) | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-DA [PUP]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22652), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (installer) | Avast (MacOS:Bundlore-GQ [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Bundlore.ELF), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero.bg), 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. |
Adware in general
CapitalSearchCharacter, BrowserBuffer, and Sorimbrsec are a few examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear legitimate and offer various "useful" functions. However, the features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
In fact, nearly all shady apps lure users into download/installation with fake functionalities. The sole aim of unwanted applications is to generate profit for the developers. Apps of this kind operate by delivering intrusive advert campaigns, hijacking browsers, causing redirects, and gathering private data.
How did Mulkey install on my computer?
Adware-type apps and similar programs are distributed via download/installation setups of other products. This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements are also used to proliferate unwanted applications as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to download/install these apps without user permission. Some of these apps may also have "official" promotional webpages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software prior to download/installation. Only official and verified download channels must be used. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the device must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with Mulkey, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting Mulkey adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Third installation step:
Files related to the Mulkey adware that need to be removed:
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.mulkeyd.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.VersionCheck.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.mulkey.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like Mulkey alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 Mulkey?
- STEP 1. Remove Mulkey related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Mulkey ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Mulkey adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Mulkey ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove Mulkey adware using Combo Cleaner:
Mulkey adware removal:
Remove Mulkey-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware on your computer can degrade your web browsing experience and may cause a drop in system performance. This type of software can also cause privacy and security issues.
What does adware do?
Adware displays various advertisements. Additionally, it be designed to hijack browsers and collect various information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generally make money by advertising products, websites, or services. Their income often comes from affiliate programs that pay them for driving traffic or sales.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Mulkey adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and uninstall all adware-type apps. Manual removal may not be completely effective, as some components may remain active. Thus, it is advisable to eliminate adware using specialized tools.
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