How to remove PublicSystem from your computer

What kind of application is PublicSystem?

During examination of PublicSystem, it has been found that its main purpose is to show annoying advertisements. Apps that operate like PublicSystem are called adware. It is crucial to emphasize that users often unintentionally install applications like PublicSystem on their computers.

PublicSystem adware in detail

The specific ads that an app like PublicSystem can display may vary, but generally, adware like this can show various types of intrusive advertisements, including pop-up ads, banners, full-screen ads, and in-text ads. Some of the ads presented by PublicSystem might redirect users to websites that host malware, phishing scams, or other security threats.

Also, users may be directed to deceptive websites that promote fake products, services, or offers. Moreover, clicking on ads shown by PublicSystem may trigger the download and installation of other unwanted software (e.g., browser hijackers). Thus, it is important to be cautious when encountering such ads and avoid clicking on them.

Furthermore, PublicSystem, like many adware applications, has the potential to collect user data. Adware often gathers information to tailor advertisements to users more effectively. This data may include browsing history, search queries, clicked links, IP addresses, and even personally identifiable information in some cases.

While the stated purpose of this data collection is typically for ad targeting, it can raise privacy concerns and pose a risk if the data is mishandled or shared with third parties without consent.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by PublicSystem
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.

More about adware

Adware applications like PublicSystem can potentially hijack web browsers. They achieve this by altering browser settings without the user's consent. Common browser hijacking actions include changing the homepage, search engine, and new tab settings to redirect users to specific websites or display unwanted content.

More examples of apps similar to PublicSystem are PerfectSave, OverallHelpDesk, and PositiveConnectivity.

How did PublicSystem install on my computer?

Users often inadvertently install apps like PublicSystem through a process known as software bundling. This occurs when the adware is bundled with other software downloads from sources such as freeware or shareware websites. When users rush through the installation process and do not carefully review the options presented, they may unintentionally agree to install the bundled adware.

Additionally, some users may unknowingly install apps like PublicSystem by clicking on deceptive ads, downloading files from untrustworthy sources (e.g., P2P networks), or falling victim to misleading social engineering tactics.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download software exclusively from reputable sources like official websites or trusted app stores, and steer clear of third-party download sites or stores. When installing software, review all prompts, choose custom or advanced installation settings, and deselect any unwanted applications.

Exercise caution by refraining from clicking on dubious ads and being vigilant when opening email attachments. Regularly inspect your system for unfamiliar or questionable software, and uninstall anything unfamiliar or untrusted. If your computer is already infected with PublicSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

The message that appears after the installation of PublicSystem:

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

Video showing how to remove PublicSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:

PublicSystem adware removal:

Remove PublicSystem-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 existence of adware on your computer can lead to a compromised web browsing experience, potentially exposing you to unwanted advertisements and redirecting you to unfamiliar or potentially malicious websites. Additionally, it may have adverse effects on your system's performance, causing slower loading times, unresponsiveness, and increased resource utilization.

What does adware do?

Adware, a shortened term for advertising-supported software, serves as a platform for delivering intrusive advertisements to users as its primary function. Also, software of this type can be designed to hijack browsers and collect information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Developers of adware generally earn revenue by endorsing various products, websites, or services, with a substantial portion of their income originating from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove PublicSystem adware?

Combo Cleaner is designed to perform comprehensive computer scans and remove detected adware-type and other unwanted applications. Depending solely on manual removal methods may not guarantee complete eradication. Therefore, utilizing a dependable tool like Combo Cleaner is advisable to ensure thorough and effective removal.

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