How to eliminate CharacterRecord adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is CharacterRecord?
Our research team found the CharacterRecord app while checking out file submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware). CharacterRecord belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
CharacterRecord adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited sites, desktops, etc.). The advertisements can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while genuine products or 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 abusing the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if CharacterRecord does not deliver advertisements – its presence endangers device/user safety.
Additionally, browser-hijacking capabilities are common for AdLoad apps. Yet, we did not observe these qualities while testing the CharacterRecord application.
Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to CharacterRecord. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like CharacterRecord can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CharacterRecord |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have investigated countless adware samples; AccessibilityUnit, HardDriveThread, and ElementBuffer are merely a couple of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically looks harmless and offers "useful" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did CharacterRecord install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well.
Advertising-supported software is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CharacterRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CharacterRecord adware's installation is over:
CharacterRecord 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 CharacterRecord?
- STEP 1. Remove CharacterRecord related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CharacterRecord ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CharacterRecord adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CharacterRecord ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CharacterRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:
CharacterRecord adware removal:
Remove CharacterRecord-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 can endorse content that is capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat, as adware typically possesses data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. Most apps/extensions belonging to this classification display advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening sites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove CharacterRecord adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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