How to remove the Repressionist.app adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Repressionist.app?
While reviewing submissions to the VirusTotal online platform, our researchers discovered the Repressionist.app adware. This application is part of the Pirrit adware family. Repressionist.app operates by feeding users with undesirable and potentially dangerous advertisements.
Repressionist.app adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, surveys, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
Note that specific conditions may be necessary for this software to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular webpages, etc.). Regardless of whether Repressionist.app delivers adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
The ads displayed by this software primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Some can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed 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 to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Pirrit applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these traits while investigating Repressionist.app.
Adware usually possesses data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of the Repressionist.app application. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like Repressionist.app on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Repressionist.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-SD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Pirrit.4), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Pirrit.CF), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to 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
Adware typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer various "handy functionalities, which are rarely operational. Plebeianness.app, Laser.app, and Reinquire are just a couple examples of apps within this classification that we have analyzed recently.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Repressionist.app install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique entails packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – it is often used in adware proliferation.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. We recommend treating installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look legitimate and innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Repressionist.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Repressionist, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "repressionist"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Repressionist.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Repressionist.app" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
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 Repressionist.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Repressionist.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Repressionist.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Repressionist.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Repressionist.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Repressionist.app adware removal:
Remove Repressionist.app-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?
The ads displayed by this software can promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Due to its data-tracking functionalities, this software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can also generate redirects and gather sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Repressionist.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal might be ineffective. Following the software's removal without the aid of security tools, various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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