How to uninstall ReferProgrammer from your computer

What kind of application is ReferProgrammer?

Upon examining the ReferProgrammer application, we have observed its tendency to exhibit intrusive advertisements. This places it within the category of adware. Users often install applications like ReferProgrammer without fully grasping the potential consequences they might entail.

ReferProgrammer adware in detail

Software like ReferProgrammer tends to infiltrate users' systems via deceptive methods. Once installed, it bombards users with various types of advertisements. These advertisements can manifest in the form of pop-ups, banners, interstitial ads, and even full-page overlays, disrupting the user's browsing experience and often leading to frustration.

The ads displayed by ReferProgrammer can vary widely, ranging from seemingly harmless promotions to potentially malicious content. Some ads might advertise legitimate products or services, while others could link to suspicious or harmful websites. This poses a significant risk to users, as they might inadvertently click on ads that lead to phishing sites, malware downloads, or other cyber threats.

Additionally, adware applications like ReferProgrammer often collect user data without explicit consent. This can include browsing habits, search queries, IP addresses, and even personal information in some cases. The collection and potential misuse of this data raise serious privacy concerns, as users might not be fully aware of the extent to which their online activities are being tracked and analyzed.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ReferProgrammer
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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ReferProgrammer is an adware application that poses risks to users' online security, privacy, and overall browsing experience. Its intrusive advertisements, potential for opening unsafe websites, and data collection practices highlight the need for users to exercise caution when downloading software.

It is worth noting that apps like ReferProgrammer can sometimes function as browser hijackers. They can hijack browsers by changing their settings. Typically, browser hijacking involves the promotion of fake search engines.

Examples of apps similar to ReferProgrammer are DeviceOptimizer, ValueStandard, and WillowAmaze.

How did ReferProgrammer install on my computer?

Adware can infiltrate users' computers through diverse pathways. A frequent avenue is via freeware or shareware obtained from unreliable websites or other sources. Certain free software bundles incorporate concealed adware elements that users may overlook during the installation process.

Furthermore, engagement with deceptive advertisements or pop-ups, particularly those masquerading as software updates or security notifications, can trigger adware installations. Lastly, interactions with suspicious email attachments or links can result in the installation of adware on computers.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Ensure that you exclusively download software from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and official websites. Take the time to carefully review installation prompts and avoid rushing through the process, as adware could potentially be packaged with other software.

Exercise caution when encountering dubious advertisements and pop-ups, and refrain from clicking on shady links or downloading files from unexpected emails or other sources of this kind. Deny permission for questionable websites to exhibit notifications.

Maintain a routine of updating your operating system and employ trustworthy antivirus software to bolster your defense against adware. If your computer is already infected with ReferProgrammer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that shows up upon finishing the installation of ReferProgrammer adware:

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

Video showing how to remove ReferProgrammer adware using Combo Cleaner:

ReferProgrammer adware removal:

Remove ReferProgrammer-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 compromise user privacy by collecting personal data and browsing habits for targeted advertising or even unauthorized distribution. Additionally, it disrupts the browsing experience with intrusive and potentially malicious advertisements, increasing the risk of falling victim to scams or malware.

What does adware do?

Software of this type inundates users with irritating and often misleading advertisements, causing a bothersome browsing experience. Also, it can be designed to function as a browser hijacker.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Developers of adware generally earn income by endorsing a range of products, websites, or services, with a significant portion of their earnings originating from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ReferProgrammer adware?

Combo Cleaner will run a system scan and effectively eradicate all adware-related applications. Manual removal might not always prove successful due to the potential presence of concealed residual files within the system. Certain components could endure and maintain functionality even after the software has been uninstalled.

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