How to remove HorizonCentric adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is HorizonCentric?
HorizonCentric is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this piece of software revealed that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
HorizonCentric adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, and other intrusive ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The displayed advertisements promote untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations - upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be endorsed by their developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that adware might not deliver adverts if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unmet. However, regardless of whether HorizonCentric displays advertisements - its presence endangers device and user safety.
What is more, HorizonCentric might have browser hijacker functionalities since they are standard for AdLoad adware. However, we did not observe these traits during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software usually has data tracking abilities, and this likely applies to HorizonCentric. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like HorizonCentric on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by HorizonCentric |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27043), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), McAfee (RDN/Generic.osx), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; RoundEmporium, ActivateOptimization, and HelperProtocol are merely a few examples.
This software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It lures users into download/installation and/or purchase with various "useful" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did HorizonCentric install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most users enter these websites through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
"Bundling" - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware as well. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software products and downloading them only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content typically looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HorizonCentric, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once HorizonCentric adware's installation is over:
HorizonCentric 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 HorizonCentric?
- STEP 1. Remove HorizonCentric related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HorizonCentric ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HorizonCentric adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HorizonCentric ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HorizonCentric adware using Combo Cleaner:
HorizonCentric adware removal:
Remove HorizonCentric-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. Furthermore, the advertisements this software delivers - promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, advertising-supported software may force-open sites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HorizonCentric adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion