How to eliminate Cologne.app adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Cologne.app?
Our researchers discovered Cologne.app adware-type application while browsing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. This app is part of the Pirrit adware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns and may possess other harmful functionalities.
Cologne.app adware overview
Adware can display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited sites, desktops, or other interfaces. These ads may endorse various scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware.
Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether Cologne.app displays ads – its presence threatens system safety and user privacy.
Additionally, adware may possess browser-hijacking capabilities; however, Cologne.app did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
What is more, Cologne.app might have data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for software within this classification. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Cologne.app on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Cologne.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-GD [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BN), GData (Archive.Application.Agent.TQGHNP), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.gen), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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
Becousined.app, FiberOpticLauncher, CharacterRecord, and AccessibilityUnit are merely a few examples of adware-type applications that we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers useful functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that operational functions alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Cologne.app install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Pre-packed installers can be downloaded from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.). Unwanted/malicious additions (like adware) can be missed when rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive ads as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Additionally, this software is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears ordinary and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Cologne.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Cologne.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Cologne.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Cologne.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Cologne.app" 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:
▼ 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 Cologne.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Cologne.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Cologne.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Cologne.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Cologne.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Cologne.app adware removal:
Remove Cologne.app-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 ads may endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it typically possesses data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing ads on various interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open websites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Cologne.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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