How to remove the Atechny adware-type app and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Atechny?
Atechny is a rogue app discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the Pirrit family. Atechny operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have additional harmful capabilities.
Atechny adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
In addition to diminishing the browsing experience and/or system performance, these advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner 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.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if Atechny does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
While investigating this rogue application, we did not observe any browser-hijacking capabilities – although we have found Pirrit adware samples with these functionalities in the past.
Additionally, Atechny likely gathers private information, as data tracking is standard for adware. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, software like Atechny may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Atechny |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-EG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27569), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit adware 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
Pipidae, FrontierProcessor, WouldLatest, ProduceSelect, ProductSkyBlog – are just some examples of adware we have examined recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears genuine and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing it by promises of various "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Note that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Atechny install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic, which entails packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to distribute adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download and scam pages. Most visitors to these websites access them via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission upon being clicked. These adverts are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Another recommendation is to treat installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Atechny, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a pop-up window displayed when Atechny adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Atechny" will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
[Move to Trash]
[Cancel]
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 Atechny?
- STEP 1. Remove Atechny related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Atechny ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Atechny adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Atechny ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Atechny adware removal:
Remove Atechny-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays advertisements that may endorse 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 private data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited sites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types may be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Atechny adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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