How to eliminate MatchPicks adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is MatchPicks?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers found the MatchPicks rogue application. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). It is pertinent to mention that MatchPicks belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
MatchPicks adware overview
Adware operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or similar. It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether MatchPicks displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of the adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking functionalities. However, we did not observe any such abilities while testing MatchPicks.
Furthermore, this application likely collects sensitive user information. Advertising-supported software typically gathers the following data: URLs visited, webpages viewed, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like MatchPicks on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MatchPicks |
| 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.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Search), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; TechTalent, PathwaySpan, CargoVictory, IntelligenceLabs, LevelSmite, and FeaturePerformance are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It entices users into downloading/installing this software by promising various handy functions. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did MatchPicks install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages access them via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs as well. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look ordinary/innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MatchPicks, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MatchPicks adware's installation is over:
MatchPicks 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 MatchPicks?
- STEP 1. Remove MatchPicks related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MatchPicks ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MatchPicks adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MatchPicks ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MatchPicks adware using Combo Cleaner:
MatchPicks adware removal:
Remove MatchPicks-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 delivers ads that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects to websites, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MatchPicks adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all the adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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