How to remove the ResearchRise adware and the adverts it delivers

What kind of application is ResearchRise?

Our researchers found the ResearchRise application while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ResearchRise is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns.

ResearchRise adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.

These advertisements mainly endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted in this manner by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ResearchRise does not display ads – it remains a threat.

While AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking qualities, we did not observe these traits while analyzing the ResearchRise application.

Furthermore, adware usually collects sensitive user information, and this might be true of ResearchRise. Data of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like ResearchRise on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ResearchRise
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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 samples; ProgressLauncher, OriginalNavigation, PublicUpdater, QuanticFit, and PublicSystem are just some of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ResearchRise install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is often used to distribute adware.

Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, 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 ResearchRise, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ResearchRise adware using Combo Cleaner:

ResearchRise adware removal:

Remove ResearchRise-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-delivered advertisements primarily endorse content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software displays ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ResearchRise adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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