Removal instructions for the Unharmonious.app adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Unharmonious.app?
While investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered Unharmonious.app. After examining this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the Pirrit malware family. Unharmonious.app is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Unharmonious.app adware overview
Adware operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, such as visited sites, desktops, or others. The advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. The most likely promoters are scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if Unharmonious.app does not deliver adverts – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
We have found instances of Pirrit adware exhibiting browser-hijacking abilities, yet we did not observe these functionalities while testing Unharmonious.app.
This adware-type application likely collects sensitive information, as data tracking is standard for software within this classification. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like Unharmonious.app on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Unharmonious.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-CH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Pirrit.KF), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BP), 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 investigated countless adware samples; StandartSkill, EngageInput, ExtendedOperation, TypicalSource, and SystemDesignMarket are just some of our latest finds.
Adware usually appears legitimate/innocuous, and it can offer a wide variety of handy functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Unharmonious.app install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique – packing ordinary installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources. The risk is also compounded when installations are treated with negligence by ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.
Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Unharmonious.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Unharmonious.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Unharmonious.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Unharmonious.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Unharmonious.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 Unharmonious.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Unharmonious.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Unharmonious.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Unharmonious.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Unharmonious.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Unharmonious.app adware removal:
Remove Unharmonious.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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays ads that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open webpages and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominately via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Unharmonious.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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