How to remove the TechPartition adware from your operating system

What is TechPartition?

TechPartition is a rogue app our research team found while checking out new submissions to VirusTotal. When we installed this piece of software onto our test machine, we learned that it operates as adware. Additionally, we determined that TechPartition belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

TechPartition adware overview

On our test system, TechPartition ran intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., it displayed ads. However, it is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain factors (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.) to deliver adverts. Regardless of whether TechPartition (or other adware) displays advertisements - its presence on a device endangers its system/user safety.

Adware-delivered ads endorse untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - once clicked.

Furthermore, TechPartition may have browser hijacker qualities - since they are common for AdLoad adware. Additionally, this app likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically collects browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like TechPartition can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by TechPartition
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications and browser extensions/plug-ins; ViewFont, DynamicGrid, and QuantityExact are just a few examples. Advertising-supported software usually looks legitimate and offers "useful" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did TechPartition install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using various deceptive and questionable methods. This software can have "official" promotional/download webpages, which are seldom accessed intentionally. Most users enter them through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

"Bundling" - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial and freeware sites, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are used in distribution as well. Adware is also spread via intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads look legitimate, yet they redirect to unreliable/dubious sites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TechPartition, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove TechPartition adware using Combo Cleaner:

TechPartition adware removal:

Remove TechPartition-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 endangers device integrity and user privacy. It can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software is deemed a privacy threat, as it usually has data tracking functionalities. What is more, adware-displayed adverts can endorse dubious/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by obtaining commissions for the endorsement of various websites, software, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove TechPartition adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various files remain in the system. Furthermore, these leftovers may continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.

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