How to remove the ReferCyberspace adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ReferCyberspace?
ReferCyberspace is an adware-type app that we discovered while investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. ReferCyberspace is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, and it may have additional harmful capabilities.
ReferCyberspace adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements. This third-party graphical content can be displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Note that adware might not operate as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if ReferCyberspace does not display ads – it remains a threat to system integrity and user privacy.
Adware-delivered adverts commonly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It must be mentioned that while genuine products/services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While we have found AdLoad applications that exhibit browser-hijacking qualities, we did not observe these traits in ReferCyberspace during our analysis.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ReferCyberspace. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ReferCyberspace on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ReferCyberspace |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; ProductCommand, TaskParameter, and IndexerArchive are but a few of our latest finds. Software within this classification tends to look ordinary and harmless. It may also offer a wide variety of handy functionalities. However, these functions are rarely operational.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove legitimacy or safety.
How did ReferCyberspace install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious sources – increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. This threat is further compounded by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive ads are capable of executing scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. These advertisements are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users mainly enter these pages via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, it is paramount to be vigilant when browsing. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ReferCyberspace, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ReferCyberspace adware's installation is over:
ReferCyberspace 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 ReferCyberspace?
- STEP 1. Remove ReferCyberspace related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ReferCyberspace ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ReferCyberspace adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ReferCyberspace ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ReferCyberspace adware using Combo Cleaner:
ReferCyberspace adware removal:
Remove ReferCyberspace-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-delivered advertisements may endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also classed as a privacy threat since adware usually possesses data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As this classification implies, these apps/extensions generate revenue through advertising. Their primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, causing redirects, and collecting vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ReferCyberspace adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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