How to eliminate the Stringent.app adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Stringent.app?
Stringent.app is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine review of file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we learned that Stringent.app is adware belonging to the Pirrit malware family. Advertising-supported software runs intrusive ad campaigns and may possess other harmful abilities.
Stringent.app adware overview
Adware is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements. This third-party graphical content is displayed on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if Stringent.app does not deliver ads – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
These adverts commonly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via said ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Mac-specific adware often possesses browser-hijacking capabilities – however, Stringent.app did not hijack browsers on our testing system.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually collects vulnerable information, and Stringent.app might have such data-tracking functionalities. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, adware like Stringent.app is associated with system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Stringent.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Bundlore-HU [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25388), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit 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 written about countless adware-type applications; ProcessInput, ElementFormula, ConsoleActivity, and ValidQueue are just a few of our newest finds. Software within this category rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.
Adware can also offer a broad range of advantageous functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational. Remember that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Stringent.app install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing access for bundled to content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing software (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, etc.).
We advise vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts/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 Stringent.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Stringent.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Stringent.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Stringent.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Stringent.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 Stringent.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Stringent.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Stringent.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Stringent.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Stringent.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Stringent.app adware removal:
Remove Stringent.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 advertisements endorse content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is deemed to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns – typically by placing third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Stringent.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. These remnants might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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