Removal instructions for the Ryder adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Ryder?
Ryder is an adware-type application with browser hijacker capabilities. This piece of software is part of the Pirrit malware family. Aside from the aforementioned abilities, Ryder likely collects private data as well.
Ryder adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, and other ads) on various interfaces. In addition to diminishing browsing quality/ system performance, these advertisements promote harmful content.
Adware-displayed ads typically endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while genuine content may be encountered through these adverts – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most likely that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
As mentioned in the introduction, Ryder has browser-hijacking abilities. Software within this classification usually assigns endorsed sites as browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, with it installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and Web searches performed via the URL bar – result in redirects to the promoted webpage.
At the time of research, Ryder produced redirects to the chillsearch.xyz fake search engine. Illegitimate pages of this kind are rarely capable of generating search results, so they land on genuine Internet search websites (e.g., Bing, Yahoo, Google, etc.). Note that the redirects could land elsewhere since they might be impacted by factors like user geolocation.
What is more, Pirrit apps commonly have data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Ryder. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like Ryder may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Ryder |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-EE [PUP]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27498), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Promoted URL | chillsearch.xyz |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Pirrit 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. |
Adware examples
Nbp.app, Overbright, Ravenwise, Atechny, and Pipidae are just a few examples of applications belonging to the Pirrit family that we have analyzed recently. While SoftwareAssist, ActiveEnviroment, TrustTriviaLogoff and Bar1 New Tab, OriginType, PlatformDeploy are just some examples of adware and browser hijackers respectively, which target Mac operating systems.
Despite their typically innocuous appearance, apps of this kind are illegitimate and may be harmful. They can entice users into downloading/installing by promising various "handy" functions. However, these features seldom work as advertised, 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 does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.
How did Ryder install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Ryder, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Ryder, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "ryder"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Screenshot of Ryder in ~/Library/LaunchAgents:
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 Ryder?
- STEP 1. Remove Ryder related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Ryder ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Ryder adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Ryder ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Ryder adware removal:
Remove Ryder-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 promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types are capable of generating redirects and gathering sensitive information.
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit chillsearch.xyz website?
Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of adware, browser hijackers, fake search engines, etc.) profit through redirects to websites like chillsearch.xyz.
Is visiting chillsearch.xyz a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Sites like chillsearch.xyz usually collect (and sell) information about their visitors.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily generate revenue through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Ryder adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. These remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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