How to eliminate the ResourceDevice adware-type from your Mac

What kind of application is ResourceDevice?

While reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers discovered ResourceDevice. Our examination revealed that this application is adware and part of the AdLoad malware group. ResourceDevice displays ads and may have other harmful capabilities.

ResourceDevice adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Usually, adware operates by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

The ads are not a mere annoyance, as they can also endorse deceptive and malicious content (including malware). When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted in this fashion by any official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed continent's affiliate programs.

Adware might need certain conditions to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Regardless of whether ResourceDevice delivers advertisements – the app's presence on a device threatens system safety and user privacy.

While AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking functionalities, ResourceDevice did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

What is more, data-tracking abilities are standard for advertising-supported software, and this might apply to ResourceDevice.

Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like ResourceDevice on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ResourceDevice
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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.

Adware examples

ApplicationPlatform, GlobalConnection, and DeskBoost are just a couple of our newest articles on adware. In most cases, this software appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, its functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

It must be emphasized that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.

How did ResourceDevice install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.

Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and being inattentive when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of bundled content infiltrating the device.

Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software prior to downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ResourceDevice, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ResourceDevice adware's installation is over:

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

Video showing how to remove ResourceDevice adware using Combo Cleaner:

ResourceDevice adware removal:

Remove ResourceDevice-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?

Ads displayed by adware endorse content that is capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can also decrease browsing quality and performance. Furthermore, adware usually gathers private information – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on visited websites or other interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove ResourceDevice adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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