How to remove IncomeHatch adware from your Mac

What kind of application is IncomeHatch?

Our research team discovered the IncomeHatch adware while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family. IncomeHatch is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially dangerous ads.

IncomeHatch adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, typically by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces.

These ads primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It must be mentioned that although legitimate products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether IncomeHatch displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy.

While browser-hijacking abilities are common for AdLoad apps, IncomeHatch did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

This adware-type application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Software within this classification usually collects visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like IncomeHatch on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by IncomeHatch
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdwareSig [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.HWFGPHK), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload 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. ▼ 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.

Adware examples

ElectronicPersonal, OperativeSignal, NetProcess, UsualAccess, and ReviewWebpageClick are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did IncomeHatch install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users predominantly access such pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. 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 important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we advise caution when browsing. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look ordinary and innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, 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 IncomeHatch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once IncomeHatch adware's installation is over:

IncomeHatch adware's installation folder:

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 IncomeHatch?
• STEP 1. Remove IncomeHatch related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove IncomeHatch ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove IncomeHatch adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove IncomeHatch ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove IncomeHatch adware using Combo Cleaner:

IncomeHatch adware removal:

Remove IncomeHatch-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 delivers advertisements that may promote harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). It can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements. This software displays third-party graphical content on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can generate redirects and collect sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove IncomeHatch adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

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