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How to remove PhasePure adware from your computer

Also Known As: Ads by PhasePure
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is PhasePure?

During our testing of PhasePure, we observed that it displays intrusive ads, leading us to categorize it as adware. Moreover, PhasePure has the capability to access sensitive information. It is noteworthy that users seldom intentionally download and install adware.

PhasePure adware

PhasePure adware in detail

Ads displayed by adware are often annoying and intrusive and can sometimes be dangerous. PhasePure displays ads that may lead users to shady websites that may ask for sensitive information, offer to download potentially malicious apps, urge them to call fake technical support numbers, etc.

It is generally recommended to avoid interacting with ads displayed by adware and to remove any adware from your system as soon as possible. Adware and its ads can pose a risk to a user's privacy and security.

Additionally, PhasePure has the ability to read sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, phone numbers, and browsing history, which can be misused for malicious purposes such as identity theft or stealing money and online accounts.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by PhasePure
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.f), 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), 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.

More about adware

Adware can function as a browser hijacker. In addition to displaying unwanted ads, some adware can modify browser settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, to redirect users to shady search engines or specific websites. This can lead to a degraded browsing experience and potentially expose users to malicious websites.

Examples of advertising-supported apps similar to PhasePure are ArchiveTask, PromotePower, and HelperFormat.

How did PhasePure install on my computer?

Adware can be installed on a computer when downloading and installing freeware or applications from untrustworthy websites. Often, these programs come bundled with adware that can be installed alongside the software without user awareness.

Deceptive links or ads that disguise themselves as legitimate software downloads or notifications can also lead to an accidental installation of adware. Additionally, adware can be installed via fake software updates or by clicking on links from unreliable sources, including pop-up ads.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

In order to prevent an unintentional installation of adware or additional programs, it is advised to download software from reliable sources such as official websites or reputable download platforms and carefully read the terms and conditions before installation.

Clicking on pop-ups or ads from untrustworthy websites should also be avoided to prevent adware from being downloaded and installed. If your computer is already infected with PhasePure, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A message that appears after the installation of PhasePure adware:

PhasePure adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

PhasePure installed on Safari:

PhasePure adware installed on Safari

PhasePure's installation folder:

PhasePure adware 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:

Video showing how to remove PhasePure adware using Combo Cleaner:

PhasePure adware removal:

Remove PhasePure-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 can display intrusive ads, redirect users to potentially malicious websites, compromise their privacy by collecting sensitive information, and slow down the device's performance.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display unwanted advertisements, usually in the form of pop-ups or banners.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various products, websites, or services.

Will Combo Cleaner remove PhasePure adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan and remove all adware-type applications installed on your computer. However, manual removal may not always be effective, as file leftovers could remain hidden in the system after the software is deleted. Some of its components may still be present and running, making manual removal an imperfect solution.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by PhasePure on your mobile device.
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Platform: macOS

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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.