How to eliminate InputRecord adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is InputRecord?
Our researchers found the InputRecord application while checking out new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing the piece of software, we determined that InputRecord is adware. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family.
InputRecord adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
Adware might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular sites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether InputRecord displays advertisements – it endangers device and user safety.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – we did not observe these qualities while examining InputRecord.
Additionally, this rogue app likely collects private information, as data-tracking functionalities are standard for adware. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, advertising-supported software like InputRecord may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by InputRecord |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
Adware examples
FocusStill, UniversalAssist, IntegerSky, OptimalAnalyzer, and ExtendedModule are merely some examples of adware-type apps we have analyzed recently.
Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It may also offer a broad range of functionalities, which are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did InputRecord install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. 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, features, etc.
We also advise being cautious while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InputRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once InputRecord adware's installation is over:
InputRecord 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 InputRecord?
- STEP 1. Remove InputRecord related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InputRecord ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InputRecord adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InputRecord ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove InputRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:
InputRecord adware removal:
Remove InputRecord-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?
The presence of adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. The advertisements delivered by this software can endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is deemed to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open sites and gather vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting content. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove InputRecord adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. After the adware has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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