Removing the Lobelia adware-type application from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Lobelia?
Our researchers found the Lobelia application while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon closer inspection, we determined that it is adware from the Pirrit family. Advertising-supported software operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and may possess other harmful capabilities.
Lobelia adware overview
Adware generates revenue through advertising. This software predominantly operates by displaying ads on various interfaces like visited websites, desktops, or others.
Note that specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if Lobelia does not deliver advertisements – it endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Lobelia might have browser-hijacking or data-tracking abilities. The latter capabilities are standard for adware, and they are typically used to collect browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like Lobelia can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Lobelia |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-GS [PUP]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.28908), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Pirrit adware 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 examined thousands of adware samples; Jirin.app, Psoriasis, and App_updater are just a couple of our newest articles on apps within this classification.
Adware rarely looks suspicious – it tends to appear ordinary and innocuous. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing by promises of various useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these functions are usually fake and nonoperational, as their sole purpose is to serve as bait.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.
How did Lobelia install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using "bundling" – a technique that entails packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. These packed installers can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other untrustworthy sources.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is likewise increased by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, and so on.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive adverts also proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts designed to carry out stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Lobelia, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Lobelia, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Lobelia"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Lobelia adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Lobelia" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is Lobelia?
- STEP 1. Remove Lobelia related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Lobelia ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Lobelia adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Lobelia ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Lobelia adware removal:
Remove Lobelia-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 displays ads promoting content capable of causing significant issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software's presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually gathers sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the naming implies, its purpose is to generate revenue through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing content. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Lobelia adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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