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How to uninstall EssentialProject from your computer

Also Known As: Ads by EssentialProject
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is EssentialProject?

Upon investigation, we found that EssentialProject is designed to generate intrusive advertisements. Consequently, EssentialProject has been classified as adware. Adware developers typically promote their software as useful but often fail to fully disclose its intrusive nature. Users are strongly advised against downloading and installing applications like EssentialProject.

EssentialProject adware

EssentialProject adware in detail

EssentialProject's advertisements can be disruptive and direct users to untrustworthy websites. These ads, which may appear as pop-ups, banners, surveys, or coupons, often feature misleading content. Clicking on these ads can redirect users to websites hosting technical support scams, shady or harmful applications, fake giveaways, phishing sites, and other deceptive content.

Users might inadvertently pay for fake products or services and unintentionally reveal sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, ID card information, etc. Additionally, websites accessed through EssentialProject's ads could tempt users into downloading malicious software or unwanted applications (e.g., browser hijackers).

In addition to displaying ads, EssentialProject may gather diverse data, including geolocation details, browsing history, search queries, and other browsing-related information. There is also a risk that this application could potentially access sensitive data such as login credentials. The developers of EssentialProject may misuse collected information for monetary gain or other purposes.

Moreover, adware-type apps are known to consume system resources, which can significantly slow down computers. In general, it is not recommended to trust apps like EssentialProject. If this application is already installed, it should be promptly uninstalled to mitigate potential issues.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by EssentialProject
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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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.

More about adware

To summarize, adware can disrupt the computing experience by inundating users with intrusive advertisements. Furthermore, installing such software can result in decreased computer performance and expose users to security and privacy vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is recommended that users avoid installing adware to minimize these risks.

Some examples of adware-type apps similar to EssentialProject are UpgradeConnection, ParameterNetwork, and FilterSkill.

How did EssentialProject install on my computer?

Users often unintentionally install adware alongside free (or potentially malicious) programs. This happens when users overlook adware that is typically mentioned in settings like "Advanced" or "Custom" during installation, or alongside checkboxes that need to be unticked. This method of distribution is commonly known as bundling.

Furthermore, users can inadvertently install adware through notifications from unreliable websites, deceptive advertisements, pop-ups, bogus software updates, etc. Using peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, unofficial app stores, third-party downloaders, and similar sources for downloading apps can also lead to unwanted installations.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Always use official pages and app store for downloading software and files. Avoid using alternative sources. Prior to completing software installations, thoroughly inspect installers and decline any offers to install unwanted applications. Refrain from agreeing to receive notifications from dubious websites.

Additionally, exercise caution when interacting with advertisements, links, pop-ups, download buttons, and similar elements on suspicious websites. Ensure your operating system and software are always up to date, and regularly scan your computer for potential threats.

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

A message that appears after the installation of EssentialProject:

EssentialProject adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

EssentialProject's installation folder:

EssentialProject adware 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:

Video showing how to remove EssentialProject adware using Combo Cleaner:

EssentialProject adware removal:

Remove EssentialProject-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 problems such as diminished browsing experience, decreased system performance, and potential security risks.

What does adware do?

Software of this type displays various advertisements. Also, it can be crafter to gather certain data and operate as a browser hijacker.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers usually earn money by advertising various products, websites, or services, with most of their revenue coming from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialProject adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all adware. Manual removal is not always effective, as leftover files and components may remain hidden and active.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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