How to remove the LaserMacroKnowledge adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is LaserMacroKnowledge?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, we discovered the LaserMacroKnowledge application. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. It is pertinent to mention that this app is part of the AdLoad malware family.
LaserMacroKnowledge adware overview
Adware runs intrusive advertisement campaigns by displaying ads on various interfaces. These adverts push online scams, untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Note that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware might require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, particular webpages visited, etc.). Even if LaserMacroKnowledge does not display adverts – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety.
What is more, this rogue application may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe such qualities during testing.
It is highly likely that LaserMacroKnowledge possesses data-tracking abilities. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like LaserMacroKnowledge on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LaserMacroKnowledge |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.32491435), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchprox), 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 countless adware samples; WorldWideProjector, DominantDisplay, and MomentTech are merely a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software tends to look harmless and offers various features. However, the functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
How did LaserMacroKnowledge install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of unintentionally permitting bundled content into the device.
Intrusive adverts are used to distribute this software as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users typically access such webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive advertisements, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software before download/installation. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels.
It is just as important to approach installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LaserMacroKnowledge, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LaserMacroKnowledge adware's installation is over:
LaserMacroKnowledge 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 LaserMacroKnowledge?
- STEP 1. Remove LaserMacroKnowledge related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LaserMacroKnowledge ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LaserMacroKnowledge adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LaserMacroKnowledge ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LaserMacroKnowledge adware using Combo Cleaner:
LaserMacroKnowledge adware removal:
Remove LaserMacroKnowledge-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 displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing various issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can cause redirects and collect vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, etc. The developers can earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LaserMacroKnowledge adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software is manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden in the system. What is more, these remnants can continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion