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How to remove ResearchMacMatrix from your computer

Also Known As: Ads by ResearchMacMatrix
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of program is ResearchMacMatrix?

ResearchMacMatrix is an advertising-supported app that we discovered during an examination of downloads from unreliable websites. As a rule, the main purpose of apps like ResearchMacMatrix is to deliver advertisements to users. Also, they have other capabilities. Either way, it is recommended to remove such apps from affected devices.

ResearchMacMatrix adware

ResearchMacMatrix adware in detail

Users should prioritize the removal of ResearchMacMatrix from their systems due to the multiple risks and disruptions it poses. First and foremost, adware significantly impairs the user experience by inundating the screen with intrusive advertisements. These ads, ranging from pop-ups to banners, not only cause annoyance but also disrupt regular computing tasks, hindering productivity.

Beyond the nuisance factor, ResearchMacMatrix raises serious privacy concerns. Many adware applications track user behavior and collect personal information. This data harvesting can lead to the unauthorized access of sensitive details, compromising user privacy. Additionally, some aggressive forms of adware may redirect users to malicious websites.

While adware primarily focuses on delivering unwanted advertisements, some aggressive forms may also exhibit browser-hijacking behavior. This can include altering browser settings, such as the default homepage or search engine, without the user's explicit consent. Browser hijacking by adware aims to redirect users to specific websites (e.g., fake search engines).

In order to safeguard both the user experience and personal privacy, it is essential to remove ResearchMacMatrix or similar apps from the system. Employing reputable antivirus or anti-malware tools is recommended for thorough and effective removal.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ResearchMacMatrix
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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adware like ResearchMacMatrix represents a persistent and disruptive aspect of the digital landscape, with the primary intent of displaying unwanted advertisements to users. Beyond the annoyance caused by intrusive ads, adware poses privacy risks through data tracking and may, in some cases, function as a browser hijacker, altering user browser settings.

Examples of apps functioning as adware are ZipDomainNameRate, SupportSkyReference, and FilterBoard.

How did ResearchMacMatrix install on my computer?

Adware is frequently bundled with seemingly legitimate software or applications. Users who rush through the installation process of software without carefully reviewing options ("Custom", "Advanced" or similar settings) may inadvertently accept the installation of adware.

Clicking on deceptive ads, particularly those promising system updates or free software, can also lead to the accidental download and installation of adware. These ads often use enticing offers or fake alerts to trick users. Additionally, visiting dubious websites or clicking on links from unreliable sources can expose users to deceptive download prompts for adware.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Users should be cautious when downloading software, opting for trusted sources like reputable app stores and official websites to minimize the risk of adware installations. Also, a thorough review of installation prompts is crucial, as it allows users to identify and deselect any additional software offerings.

Additionally, it is recommended not to trust ads and pop-ups on questionable pages or agree to receive notifications from websites of this kind. If your computer is already infected with ResearchMacMatrix, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of ResearchMacMatrix adware:

ResearchMacMatrix adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

ResearchMacMatrix's installation folder:

ResearchMacMatrix adware 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:

Video showing how to remove ResearchMacMatrix adware using Combo Cleaner:

ResearchMacMatrix adware removal:

Remove ResearchMacMatrix-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 harm users by disrupting the user experience with intrusive ads, compromising privacy through data tracking, and redirecting to potentially malicious websites. It poses risks of annoyance, privacy invasion, and exposure to scams or malware.

What does adware do?

Adware is software designed to disrupt the user experience with intrusive ads. Also, it can be designed to gather data and hijack web browsers.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Developers of adware might engage in affiliate marketing initiatives, receiving commissions for guiding users toward making purchases or downloading particular services or products. This deceptive promotion of genuine software via affiliate programs serves as a prevalent strategy, enabling adware developers to profit from their intrusive advertising techniques.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ResearchMacMatrix adware?

Combo Cleaner will thoroughly scan your computer, removing any installed applications categorized as adware. It is important to acknowledge that solely relying on manual removal may not guarantee a flawless solution, as remnants of files can persist within the system. Thus, it is recommended to use a tool like Combo Cleaner to ensure thorough removal.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
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