How to remove KernelReproduce adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is KernelReproduce?
KernelReproduce is the name of an application that our team has discovered while studying the samples submitted to VirusTotal. After testing the app, we have found that KernelReproduce operates as adware - it generates advertisements. Usually, apps like KernelReproduce are distributed using questionable (deceptive) methods.
KernelReproduce adware in detail
KernelReproduce can display annoying advertisements used to promote shady apps, websites, various scams, and so on. Trusting those ads (websites opened through them) can cause financial loss, identity theft, unwanted downloads/installations, and (or) other issues.
Another reason not to have adware installed is that it can operate as a browser hijacker. It can promote a fake search engine by modifying the settings of a web browser. Fake search engines can generate misleading results and display results generated by untrustworthy search engines.
Name | Ads by KernelReproduce |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25718), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Lionic (Riskware.ZIP.Generic.1!c), Full List (VirusTotal) |
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. |
More about adware
Adware is a type of software that is commonly used as a tool to gather information about its users. We have examined plenty of adware-type apps and noticed that sometimes they can access credit card details, passwords, and other sensitive information. More adware examples are SmartTransaction, SmartTask, NavigateSystem.
How did adware install on my computer?
It is common for adware to be distributed through deceptive websites that display pop-ups claiming that certain installed software is out of date. Another popular adware distribution method is to bundle it with other software.
In such cases, adware gets installed when software bundled with it is installed without changing certain settings. Downloaders and installers containing adware have "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings. Sometimes, adware is distributed by designing advertisements to run certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not finish downloads and installations without deselecting unwanted apps. Usually, it can be achieved using "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings in downloaders and installers. Also, do not click on advertisements that appear while visiting dubious, questionable pages. Always use official pages and direct links as sources for downloading apps/files.
If your computer is already infected with KernelReproduce, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up displayed after the installation of KernelReproduce adware:
KernelReproduce's Contents 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 KernelReproduce?
- STEP 1. Remove KernelReproduce related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove KernelReproduce ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove KernelReproduce adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove KernelReproduce ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove KernelReproduce adware using Combo Cleaner:
KernelReproduce adware removal:
Remove KernelReproduce-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 slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience, invade privacy, and cause other problems.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to display banners, pop-ups, coupons, and other advertisements. It can be used for additional purposes, for example, to promote fake search engines, collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is used to promote various products, services, websites. Its developers monetize it mainly through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove KernelReproduce adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and eliminate adware. It will not leave any files or other components belonging to adware. It is worth mentioning that it can be difficult to manually remove adware without leaving anything in the system.
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