How to remove the HardwareRelevancy adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is HardwareRelevancy?
HardwareRelevancy is a rogue application that our researchers discovered while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Our examination revealed that HardwareRelevancy is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
HardwareRelevancy adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software enables the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that while genuine products and services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether HardwareRelevancy displays advertisements – the app's presence on a system remains a threat.
While AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking traits, we did not deserve these functionalities while testing HardwareRelevancy.
Furthermore, software within this classification typically has data-tracking abilities, and HardwareRelevancy may have them as well. Targeted information include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like HardwareRelevancy can cause infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by HardwareRelevancy |
| 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.Searchpro), 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 investigated numerous adware-type applications; GeneralAccess, GeneralExplorer, EssentialProcesser, and FontResultsMultitask are but a few examples.
Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate/ordinary, and it offers a broad range of handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did HardwareRelevancy install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
This software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, functions, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HardwareRelevancy, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once HardwareRelevancy adware's installation is over:
HardwareRelevancy 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 HardwareRelevancy?
- STEP 1. Remove HardwareRelevancy related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HardwareRelevancy ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HardwareRelevancy adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HardwareRelevancy ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HardwareRelevancy adware using Combo Cleaner:
HardwareRelevancy adware removal:
Remove HardwareRelevancy-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?
The presence of adware on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that endorse harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HardwareRelevancy adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system following the adware's (manual) removal. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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