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Removal instructions for ResponseIntellect adware and the ads it delivers

Also Known As: Ads by ResponseIntellect
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ 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

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:

Pop-up displayed once ResponseIntellect installation is complete

ResponseIntellect adware's installation folder:

ResponseIntellect adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove ResponseIntellect adware using Combo Cleaner:

ResponseIntellect adware removal:

Remove ResponseIntellect-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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