Removal instructions for ResponseIntellect adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ResponseIntellect?
We discovered ResponseIntellect when a Combo Cleaner user reported the presence of suspicious programs on their device. ResponseIntellect is a rogue application, which our researchers have classified as adware. We also determined that it belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
Following installation onto our test machine, this app ran intrusive advertisement campaigns (displayed various ads). While ResponseIntellect did not exhibit any browser hijacker qualities on the test system, our experience with AdLoad adware suggests that it may have such abilities.
ResponseIntellect adware overview
Adware can require certain conditions to be met to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., if the device specs are not compatible, user's geolocation is of no interest, they do not visit certain websites (as the adware places ads only onto them), or similar. Therefore, while on our test system ResponseIntellect displayed advertisements, it might not - on others. Despite this, the presence of adware on devices still endangers their integrity and user privacy.
Adware-delivered adverts endorse untrustworthy, deceptive, and malicious content (e.g., scams, harmful software, malware, etc.). Some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to stealthily download/install software.
ResponseIntellect may also have browser hijacker and data tracking functionalities. Adware usually collects sensitive data (e.g., browsing activity, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc.)and sells it to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ResponseIntellect on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Ads by ResponseIntellect |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
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. |
Adware examples
NodeStatisticsProjector, DecipherPerformance, TypeValue, and ActiveProgram are some examples of the adware-type apps we have analyzed. They look legitimate and offer "handy" features, which rarely work. Hence, this software is not only useless but also poses a threat to device/user safety.
How did ResponseIntellect install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using various questionable techniques. Software bundling - packing ordinary programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to spread apps of this type. Downloads from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware download websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed downloads - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, once clicked, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also have "official" promotional/download webpages. These sites can be accessed via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware-type software capable of force-opening websites.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and only downloading from official/verified sources. When downloading/installing, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you encounter such advertisements/redirects, inspect your system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ResponseIntellect, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ResponseIntellect adware's installation is over:
ResponseIntellect 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is ResponseIntellect?
- STEP 1. Remove ResponseIntellect related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ResponseIntellect ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ResponseIntellect adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ResponseIntellect ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ResponseIntellect adware using Combo Cleaner:
ResponseIntellect adware removal:
Remove ResponseIntellect-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 can diminish the browsing experience (e.g., overlay webpages, slow down the browsing speed, etc.) and decrease system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which makes it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-displayed adverts can be dubious/malicious can cause a wide variety of problems.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it enables the placement of advertisements on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware profits mostly through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, applications, services, etc. For example, adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ResponseIntellect adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, although the adware itself is (manually) removed - file leftovers remain in the system. Furthermore, such remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
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