How to remove the DebugRootMouse adware from your Mac

What kind of application is DebugRootMouse?

Our researchers discovered the DebugRootMouse application during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website.

After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to be AdLoad malware family. DebugRootMouse is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., feed users with unwanted and deceptive adverts.

DebugRootMouse adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content primarily promotes online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser or system, specific websites not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether DebugRootMouse displays ads – the app's presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.

It is worth mentioning that DebugRootMouse did not exhibit any browser-hijacking functionalities, although they are common for AdLoad applications.

Additionally, DebugRootMouse likely collects vulnerable user data. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like DebugRootMouse on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DebugRootMouse
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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.

Adware examples

We have investigated thousands of adware-type apps; BackupTelephone, LookupSystem, OptimalBrowser – are merely a couple of examples.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did DebugRootMouse install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is crucial to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. We recommend treating installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise being cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

If you keep encountering ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DebugRootMouse, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DebugRootMouse adware's installation is over:

DebugRootMouse 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 DebugRootMouse?
• STEP 1. Remove DebugRootMouse related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DebugRootMouse ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DebugRootMouse adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DebugRootMouse ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DebugRootMouse adware using Combo Cleaner:

DebugRootMouse adware removal:

Remove DebugRootMouse-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also classified as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some apps/extensions within this classification can also generate redirects and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DebugRootMouse adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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