How to remove ObsessionScript from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ObsessionScript?
While examining deceptive websites encouraging to download a fake Adobe Flash Player installer, we found an application called ObsessionScript. After testing the app, our team learned that it functions as adware - it feeds users with annoying advertisements.
ObsessionScript adware in detail
Clicking on advertisements displayed by apps like ObsessionScript can open various scam pages (e.g., technical support scam websites, phishing sites), sites promoting shady apps, etc. Most adware-type apps show coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and other types of ads. Clicking them can also cause unwanted downloads or installations.
Another issue with adware is that it can be designed to hijack web browsers by changing their settings, such as the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. As a rule, they change those settings to promote fake search engines that generate misleading results or show results generated by shady (or legitimate) search engines.
| Name | Ads by ObsessionScript |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26829), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. |
More about adware
Another reason not to have adware installed on the operating system (or a web browser) is that it can invade privacy and cause other problems. Many apps similar to ObsessionScript can read sensitive information such as credit card details and passwords. More adware examples are VantageReservation, ExplorerTrusted, and ExploreTransaction.
How did ObsessionScript install on my computer?
It is common for adware to be distributed via fake installers hosted by deceptive websites that display pop-ups claiming that certain installed software (e.g., Adobe Flash Player) is out of date. Another popular adware distribution method is to bundle it with other software.
Adware gets installed when after finishing the installation of software bundled 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?
Download applications from official websites and stores (e.g., the App Store). Do not use unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources to download files or applications. Note that clicking on advertisements displayed by shady pages can also cause unexpected downloads/installations.
Deselect unwanted applications included in downloaders/installers before downloading/installing programs. It can be achieved by changing the available settings (like "Manual", "Custom", or similar). If your computer is already infected with ObsessionScript, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of ObsessionScript adware:
ObsessionScript'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
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Quick menu:
- What is ObsessionScript?
- STEP 1. Remove ObsessionScript related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ObsessionScript ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ObsessionScript adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ObsessionScript ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ObsessionScript adware using Combo Cleaner:
ObsessionScript adware removal:
Remove ObsessionScript-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?
The most common problem with having adware installed is a diminished web browsing experience. Usually, ads displayed by adware conceal the contents of visited pages. Other problems that adware can cause are slowed down computer performance, invaded privacy, and similar issues.
What does adware do?
In most cases, the main purpose of adware is to generate intrusive advertisements. Additionally, it can be designed to promote some fake search engine (by manipulating the settings of a web browser) and collect data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most adware developers participate in affiliate programs to monetize adware. They use adware to promote various web pages, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ObsessionScript adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware from the operating system. In some cases, it is difficult to remove adware manually - files belonging to adware remain in the system even after the removal. Thus, it is recommended to use Combo Cleaner to remove adware and other unwanted software.
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