Removing Overbright adware-type application and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Overbright?
Our research team found the Overbright application while investigating submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). It is pertinent to mention that Overbright belongs to the Pirrit adware family.
Overbright adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive ads. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Software within this classification might require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if adware (e.g., Overbright) does not display adverts – it endangers device integrity and user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while genuine products/services may be encountered through these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be promoted in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
We have previously detected adware-type apps from the Pirrit family with browser-hijacking capabilities – however, Overbright did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Overbright. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Overbright on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Overbright |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-EF [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27566), 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
We have examined countless adware-type applications; Ravenwise, Atechny, and Pipidae are merely a couple examples of our newest finds.
Adware usually appears legitimate and promises a broad range of "handy" features. However, these functionalities are typically fake and nonoperational – their purpose is to serve as bait that lures users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Overbright install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download pages, and it was promoted on scam websites. Uses mainly enter these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used in adware distribution.
The danger of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipped steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Due to the legitimate and harmless appearance of fraudulent and malicious online content – we also advise exercising caution while browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering such advertisements and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Overbright, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the pop-up window displayed when Overbright adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Overbright" 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 Overbright?
- STEP 1. Remove Overbright related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Overbright ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Overbright adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Overbright ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Overbright adware removal:
Remove Overbright-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-displayed adverts can promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Overbright adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. Since even after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion