How to uninstall PlatformIndex from computers

What kind of application is PlatformIndex?

Upon closer inspection of the PlatformIndex application, we identified that it is an advertising-supported app that bombards users with annoying and intrusive advertisements. Additionally, the app might be designed to gather various information that its developers could misuse for malicious purposes.

PlatformIndex adware in detail

PlatformIndex has the potential to display deceptive and inaccurate advertisements aimed at enticing users to click on them. These ads may redirect users to harmful websites or scams, exposing them to security threats like malware infections or phishing attempts. Interacting with these ads can leave users vulnerable to various online risks, compromising their personal information and privacy.

These advertisements can take various forms, including banners, pop-ups, and coupons, and are often designed to be highly intrusive, disrupting the user experience by appearing unexpectedly or covering important content. Given the potential security implications, users are advised to exercise caution and avoid interacting with ads displayed by PlatformIndex.

Additionally, PlatformIndex and similar adware applications have the capability to collect a wide range of user data without explicit consent. This data may include device information, browsing history, geolocation data, and even sensitive personal details such as names and email addresses. In some cases, these apps may even access confidential information like credit card details and passwords.

Users should be aware that apps like PlatformIndex may engage in unauthorized modifications of browser settings, known as browser hijacking. This can involve altering the default homepage, search engine, and new tab page settings to promote unreliable search engines.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by PlatformIndex
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PlatformIndex exemplifies the trend of adware-type applications prioritizing revenue generation over user experience and security. Its propensity to display deceptive advertisements, intrusively disrupt user interactions, and possibly collect sensitive personal data underscores the importance of vigilant scrutiny when engaging with such apps.

More examples of similar apps that should be avoided are ExploreDesktop, ParameterBuffer, and SimpleCache.

How did PlatformIndex install on my computer?

Adware may be bundled with other (mostly free) software and users may overlook checkboxes or settings during the installation process that disclose the inclusion of additional software, inadvertently agreeing to install the adware alongside the desired program. Clicking on misleading ads can also lead to the download and installation of adware instead of the advertised product.

Sometimes, adware developers disguise their software as legitimate updates for popular programs or plugins. Users may be prompted to install these updates through pop-up messages or banners while browsing the web, unaware that they are installing adware. Overall, adware installation often relies on exploiting users' trust, lack of awareness, or inattentiveness.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Obtain software from reputable sources such as official websites, app stores, or trusted download platforms. Avoid downloading applications from unfamiliar or unverified sources. During installations, deselect any bundled software or additional components that you do not want to install, including adware.

Exercise caution when clicking on pop-up ads, banners, or links, especially those offering free downloads, prizes, or software updates. Keep your operating system, web browsers, and other software applications up to date. If your computer is already infected with PlatformIndex, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A message that appears after the installation of PlatformIndex adware:

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

Video showing how to remove PlatformIndex adware using Combo Cleaner:

PlatformIndex adware removal:

Remove PlatformIndex-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 bring about a multitude of issues for users, spanning from bothersome pop-up advertisements and unwanted browser redirects to a slowdown in system performance. Additionally, it poses risks to users' privacy, potentially leading to breaches, and exposes them to the threat of malware and fraudulent schemes.

What does adware do?

Adware inundates users with unwanted advertisements. Furthermore, it may track browsing habits and even seize control of web browsers.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Developers of adware typically generate revenue by promoting various products, websites, or services. A significant portion of their income is derived from affiliate programs, wherein they earn commissions for driving traffic or stimulating sales.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Catbird.app adware?

Combo Cleaner offers a thorough computer scan to eliminate all adware-type applications effectively. Manual removal may not completely eradicate adware, as residual files could linger within the system even after deletion. Even after apparent removal, undetected and active adware components may persist, potentially causing ongoing issues.

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