How to uninstall HorizonsHost from computers

What kind of application is HorizonsHost?

Upon examining the HorizonsHost app, we determined that it generates annoying ads, making it adware. It is common for such apps to be distributed using questionable (including deceptive) methods. Thus, users should avoid installing HorizonsHost on computers. If this app is already installed, users should uninstall it as soon as possible.

HorizonsHost adware in detail

HorizonsHost can flood users with various intrusive ads (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups, etc.). This can lead to slower computer performance and diminished browsing experience. Also, ads from HorizonsHost can be deceptive. These ads can be fake security warnings, misleading offers, and similar pop-ups.

Interacting with such ads might open pages hosting technical support scams, potentially malicious apps, fake giveaways, phishing websites, and other unreliable sites. Users may be tricked into providing credit card details, ID card information, passwords, social security numbers, and other sensitive information.

Also, scammers may lure users into downloading malicious apps or files, unwanted apps like browser hijackers, providing remote access to their computers, paying for fake or unnecessary products (or services), investing in fraudulent schemes, etc. Thus, it is strongly recommended to avoid trusting ads and pages promoted via HorizonsHost.

In addition to delivering dubious apps, HorizonsHost may harvest various information. For instance, IP addresses, browsing history, search queries, device information, names, addresses, email addresses, etc.

It is important to note that while adware primarily focuses on gathering data for advertising purposes, it can also pose significant privacy and security risks if it collects sensitive information.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by HorizonsHost
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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

While apps like HorizonsHost are often seen as a nuisance due to the intrusive nature of the ads they displays, they can also pose privacy and security risks by collecting sensitive information. Users are advised to use reputable antivirus and antimalware software to detect and remove adware from their devices.

More examples of apps like HorizonsHost are FocusProgrammer, InitialRemote, and OpportunityTerminal.

How did HorizonsHost install on my computer?

Adware such as HorizonsHost is frequently packaged with other software. When installing, users are usually given choices like "Advanced" or "Custom" settings/options, which need adjustment to avoid installing undesired apps. Failing to decline these unwanted offers leads to users unintentionally consenting to install adware.

Adware may also infiltrate computers via fake software updates, misleading pop-ups, and dubious advertisements on untrustworthy sites. Additionally, such installations can happen when installing software acquired from peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, unofficial websites, third-party app stores, etc

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Ensure to obtain apps and files solely from reputable sources such as their official websites or trusted app stores. When installing programs, especially free ones, meticulously scrutinize the installation process and deselect any extra apps. Avoid engaging with advertisements, pop-ups, or other dubious content on questionable websites.

Prevent suspicious sites from sending notifications and maintain up-to-date browser, software, and operating system versions with the latest security patches and updates. Employ a dependable security tool and conduct routine scans on your computer for added protection.

If your computer is already infected with HorizonsHost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A message that appears after the installation of HorizonsHost:

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

Video showing how to remove HorizonsHost adware using Combo Cleaner:

HorizonsHost adware removal:

Remove HorizonsHost-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 cause harm by inundating users with annoying and deceptive advertisements, slowing down system performance, and compromising privacy by collecting various information.

What does adware do?

Adware displays unwanted advertisements. Additionally, such apps can operate as browser hijackers.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers earn revenue by promoting products, websites, or services through the display of advertisements. They often generate a significant portion of their income through affiliate programs, where they receive commissions for driving traffic or sales to affiliated products or services.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HorizonsHost adware?

Combo Cleaner scans computers and removes all adware-type applications. It is advisable to use tools like Combo Cleaner when removing such apps, as manual removal may not be enough (some files belonging to the unwanted software may remain in the system).

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