How to remove StackMist from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is StackMist?
Our team has inspected the StackMist application and learned that it is an untrustworthy app that shows intrusive advertisements and can read sensitive information. Since StackMist displays ads, it can definitely be classified as adware. We have discovered StackMist after downloading a fake installer from a shady page.
StackMist adware in detail
StackMist can display advertisements designed to open a variety of untrustworthy pages. For instance, pages designed to lure visitors into agreeing to receive notifications, providing personal information, calling fake technical support numbers, downloading potentially malicious software, etc.
Some of the ads shown by StackMist may be designed to run certain scripts to start unwanted downloads and installations. Thus, it is highly advisable not to trust ads displayed by StackMist and similar applications. Another reason to remove StackMist is that it can read sensitive information.
We found that StackMist can read passwords, phone numbers, credit card details, and other sensitive data, and browsing history. Its developers may sell that information to third parties or use it to steal personal accounts, identities, money, etc.
| Name | Ads by StackMist |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.f), 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 can also function as a browser hijacker. It can promote shady (or fake) search engines by changing the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab page. Using shady search engines can lead to untrustworthy pages and issues related to online privacy.
Examples of apps similar to StackMist are WorldWideProjector, DominantDisplay, and OperativeInfluence.
How did StackMist install on my computer?
Apps like StackMist often are distributed via fake installers promoted on deceptive web pages (e.g., pages claiming that certain installed software is outdated. Also, unwanted installations can be caused via untrustworthy advertisements and installers containing additional applications.
When adware is included in installers, those installers have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings that must be changed to avoid unwanted installations. Users install when they leave those settings unchanged.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Avoid downloads from unofficial pages, P2P networks, third-party downloaders or stores, and similar sources. Download apps from official pages and verified stores only. Check downloaders and installers for "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings and deselect unwanted apps before downloading and installing programs.
Do not trust advertisements on questionable web pages or allow such pages to show notifications. If your computer is already infected with StackMist, 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 StackMist adware:
Website promoting StackMist:
StackMist'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 StackMist?
- STEP 1. Remove StackMist related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove StackMist ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove StackMist adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove StackMist ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove StackMist adware using Combo Cleaner:
StackMist adware removal:
Remove StackMist-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?
It can diminish the web browsing experience by showing intrusive ads and causing unwanted redirects. Also, adware can cause issues related to online privacy and slow down a computer.
What does adware do?
All advertising-supported apps show unwanted advertisements. Additionally, they can promote fake search engines and collect information about users.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Typically, they use affiliate programs to monetize adware (they promote various pages, services, products, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove StackMist adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware without leaving its files in the operating system (which may happen while trying to remove adware manually).
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