Removing Capmaking.app adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Capmaking.app?
While browsing file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our researchers discovered the Capmaking.app adware. Upon a closer inspection, we learned that it is part of the Pirrit adware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
Capmaking.app adware overview
Typically, adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces. These ads can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not operate as designed if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if Capmaking.app does not deliver ads – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety regardless.
Mac-specific adware has been noted to often possess browser-hijacking capabilities; however, Capmaking.app did not hijack browsers on our test machine.
Furthermore, software within this category usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Capmaking.app.
Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Capmaking.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-GO [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.29014), 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 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 examined numerous adware-type apps; BufferDeveloper, ElementaryInterface, FractionInterface, and WebClick are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and harmless. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing software by promises of handy functionalities. However, these features rarely work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates as detailed by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Capmaking.app install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking webpages and scam sites. Users most commonly enter these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Capmaking.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Capmaking.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Capmaking.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Capmaking.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Capmaking.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 Capmaking.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Capmaking.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Capmaking.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Capmaking.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Capmaking.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Capmaking.app adware removal:
Remove Capmaking.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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays advertisements endorsing content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is classed as a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Capmaking.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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