How to eliminate ImmersiveTask adware and the ads it displays

What is ImmersiveTask?

ImmersiveTask is a piece of software with adware and browser hijacker abilities. Since users typically download/install such apps unintentionally, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

ImmersiveTask adware overview

Adware displays pop-ups, surveys, banners, and other intrusive advertisements on visited sites and/or different interfaces. In addition to decreasing browsing speed and overlaying webpage content, these ads endanger device/user safety. They endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful webpages, and untrustworthy/malicious software. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - once clicked on.

Browser hijackers cause redirects to fraudulent search engines when new browser tabs/windows are opened and search queries are typed into the URL bar. This software assigns the promoted addresses as browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and default search engine URLs.

Illegitimate search engines typically redirect to genuine ones (e.g., Yahoo, Bing, Google, etc.) since they are incapable of generating search results. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent browser recovery.

Most PUAs collect user data, e.g., browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information is monetized through sale to third-parties. It is likely that ImmersiveTask operates in this manner as well.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted applications on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ImmersiveTask
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Agent.CJ), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload 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 examples

EdgePremium, ConnectProcess, and EdgeBegin are a couple examples of adware-type apps. They look legitimate and useful but seldom work as promised. This is true of nearly all PUAs. Functionality and user safety are irrelevant, as the only purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue.

How did ImmersiveTask install on my computer?

PUAs are spread via download/installation setups of other programs. This deceptive marketing method is called "bundling". Download from untrustworthy sources and rushed installation - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, intrusive ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs - upon being clicked. Some PUAs also have "official" download webpages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is strongly recommended to research software/products and download only from official and verified sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled and harmful programs/media.

Download and installation processes must be approached with caution, including - reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

Should such ads/redirects be encountered, the device must be checked and all suspect apps and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with ImmersiveTask, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ImmersiveTask adware's installation is over:

ImmersiveTask adware's installation folder:

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

Video showing how to remove ImmersiveTask adware using Combo Cleaner:

ImmersiveTask adware removal:

Remove ImmersiveTask-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 negatively affects browsing quality and system performance. This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe problems.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to display adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

This software generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, apps, products, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ImmersiveTask adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating all adware-type apps installed on them. It is noteworthy that manual removal might be ineffective and lack thoroughness. Sometimes, various file leftovers remain within the system despite the software itself being (manually) removed. Hence, while the adware is eliminated, some components might still be present and running.

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