How to remove RecordKey from the operating system

What kind of application is RecordKey?

In our investigation, it came to light that RecordKey exhibits intrusive advertisements, categorizing it as adware. Furthermore, RecordKey may be capable of gathering various data. Such software is commonly installed inadvertently. Consequently, affected users are advised to uninstall applications like RecordKey from their computers.

RecordKey adware in detail

RecordKey has the potential to showcase a variety of advertisements, including pop-ups, coupons, and banners, across web browsers and other applications. These advertisements can be intrusive and disruptive, often appearing unexpectedly and obscuring content. Clicking on these ads may redirect users to harmful websites or initiate unintended downloads, posing risks to their online safety and security.

Users who interact with these ads may find themselves redirected to phishing websites, which pose a significant threat to their sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card details, putting their online security at risk.

Furthermore, users might unknowingly land on websites hosting malware or scams, designed to trick them into divulging personal or financial information, exacerbating the potential for identity theft or fraud. Moreover, engaging with these ads can lead to the installation of extra adware or other undesirable programs on the user's device.

These additional programs have the potential to worsen system performance, jeopardize privacy, and subject the user to further unwanted advertisements. Also, RecordKey might promote counterfeit software updates or false security alerts, deceiving users into downloading dubious software disguised as legitimate updates.

Thus, it is not recommended to trust ads displayed by apps like RecordKey.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by RecordKey
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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.

Conclusion

In essence, having adware installed can lead to a multitude of consequences, including intrusive advertising, compromised privacy, degraded system performance, increased exposure to malware, and susceptibility to scams or phishing attacks.

These ramifications underscore the importance of promptly detecting and removing adware from devices to mitigate risks and ensure a safer digital experience. Additional examples of adware-type apps are ConfigBalance, ActiveQuest, and TechBrowser.

How did RecordKey install on my computer?

Adware frequently finds its way into users' systems through deceptive tactics, often bundled as optional extras in the installation processes of free software. Users may inadvertently install adware by overlooking the option to opt out during installation, typically by neglecting to uncheck boxes or adjust "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings.

Moreover, adware can surreptitiously enter users' systems through deceptive advertisements, fake updates, phishing emails, third-party app stores, P2P networks, and visits to untrustworthy websites. Either way, most users install adware unknowingly.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Obtain software only from reputable sources such as official websites or well-known app stores. Avoid downloading from third-party app stores, unofficial sites, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources. When installing software, pay close attention to each step of the installation process and deselect unwanted apps (if included).

Be cautious when clicking on ads, pop-ups, or links, especially those on suspicious websites. Regularly update all software on your device, including operating systems, web browsers, and security software. If your computer is already infected with RecordKey, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

The message that appears after the installation of RecordKey:

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

Video showing how to remove RecordKey adware using Combo Cleaner:

RecordKey adware removal:

Remove RecordKey-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 inflict harm by bombarding users with intrusive advertisements, compromising their privacy, depleting system resources, presenting security vulnerabilities, and hijacking web browsers.

What does adware do?

Adware commonly overwhelms users with intrusive advertisements, monitors their online behavior, and has the potential to hijack web browsers.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate income by promoting various products, websites, or services, with a substantial portion of their earnings stemming from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove RecordKey adware?

Combo Cleaner thoroughly scans your computer, removing adware-type applications. However, manual removal may not be entirely effective, as remnants could persist even after uninstalling the software.

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