How to eliminate Identification.app adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Identification.app?
Our research team discovered Identification.app during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon inspection, we determined that this application is advertising-supported software (adware). This app is part of the Pirrit adware family.
Identification.app adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially dangerous ads. This third-party graphical content is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Note that certain conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if Identification.app does not deliver adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed ads primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed in this fashion by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While Pirrit applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of the Identification.app adware.
It must be mentioned that Identification.app likely collects vulnerable information, as data tracking is standard for software within this classification.
Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, 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 (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like Identification.app on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Identification.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-DQ [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.28008), 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 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
Waste.app, Repressionist.app, Plebeianness.app, Cucullate, and Laser.app are just some examples of adware we have examined recently.
Software that is classed as such tends to appear legitimate and harmless. It can also offer a broad range of "useful" functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Identification.app install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, 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 deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Identification.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Identification, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "identification"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Identification.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Identification.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 Identification.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Identification.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Identification.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Identification.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Identification.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Identification.app adware removal:
Remove Identification.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?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software delivers advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Identification.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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