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How to remove Simulatively.app from your computer

Also Known As: Ads by Simulatively.app
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is Simulatively.app?

In the process of an evaluation, it has surfaced that Simulatively.app is one of the unreliable apps from the Pirrit family that is designed to show intrusive advertisements. Apps that function like Simulatively.app are categorized as adware. Commonly, adware is promoted using deceptive methods to trick users into installing it.

Simulatively.app adware

Simulatively.app adware in detail

Simulatively.app displays intrusive advertisements, which can include pop-ups, banners, and other forms of disruptive ads. These ads may appear within the app itself or overlay content on other applications or websites. Interacting with ads from Simulatively.app can lead users to potentially malicious websites.

These destinations could include websites that lack proper security measures or are associated with dubious practices. Users may inadvertently find themselves on potentially unsafe platforms that host malicious content, phishing attempts, or scams. Trusting ads from Simulatively.app may lead to financial losses, identity theft, and other issues.

Additionally, ads displayed by Simulatively.app may be designed to trigger unexpected downloads and installations of unwanted and even malicious apps. Another reason not to trust Simulatively.app is that it may gather various information.

Simulatively.app may collect user information such as browsing habits, search history, and ad interaction data. Additionally, it may gather device information, including the operating system and model, and possibly access location. In more severe cases, adware like Simulatively.app may attempt to collect usernames, passwords, credit card details, or other sensitive data.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Simulatively.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)
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

More about adware

In conclusion, Simulatively.app emerges as an adware application within the notorious Pirrit family, designed to display intrusive advertisements and engage in deceptive promotional methods. Given its adware nature and potential to compromise user experience, it is advisable for users to remove the app promptly and employ robust security measures to safeguard against the associated risks.

Examples of similar applications are AdminHelper, Illation.app, and Finless.app.

How did Simulatively.app install on my computer?

Adware like Simulatively.app is often bundled with seemingly harmless programs. In such cases, installers have "Advanced", "Custom" or similar settings, or ticked checkboxes. Users install adware when they complete installations without deselecting unwanted apps (changing the provided settings).

Deceptive advertisements, misleading download buttons, or fake software updates on websites can also mislead users into unwittingly downloading and installing adware. In other cases, adware gets installed via downloads from P2P networks, shady sites, third-party downloaders, and similar channels.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Obtain software and files only from official websites and app stores. Avoid using other sources (e.g., P2P networks and third-party app stores). Before downloading any software, read user reviews and check ratings. During installations, uncheck/deselect any additional software bundled with desired programs.

Avoid clicking on pop-ups or advertisements that claim to offer software updates, especially if they appear on unfamiliar websites. Keep your operating system, browsers, and security software up to date. Install reputable security software and perform regular system scans.

If your computer is already infected with Simulatively.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

When removing Simulatively.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "simulatively"):

  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
  • /Library/LaunchDaemons
  • /Library/LaunchAgents
  • /Library/StartupItems

A warning that gets displayed before installing Simulatively.app:

Simulatively.app adware warning

The text in this message:

"Simulatively.app" will damage your computer.
 
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

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:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Simulatively.app adware removal:

Remove Simulatively.app-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 cause harm by slowing down performance, disrupting the browsing experience with intrusive ads, hijacking browser settings, raising privacy concerns through data collection, and exposing users to security risks.

What does adware do?

Typically, it displays annoying (intrusive) advertisements to users. Also, it can gather data and operate as a browser hijacker.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs. They earn commissions based on user interactions with ads, such as clicks, installations, or other desired actions.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Simulatively.app adware?

Combo Cleaner conducts thorough scans of computer systems, effectively eliminating adware-type applications. Attempting manual removal without relying on security programs may be ineffective, as residual files might persist even after seemingly deleting the adware.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
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Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Simulatively.app on your mobile device.
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