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How to eliminate OriginRemote adware from the operating system

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

What kind of application is OriginRemote?

OriginRemote is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this app, we learned that OriginRemote is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns; it can have a variety of harmful capabilities.

OriginRemote adware

OriginRemote adware overview

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. Typically, this software operates by enabling the placement of third-party content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.

These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not work as intended if the browser/system specs or user geolocation is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether OriginRemote displays ads – its presence endangers device and user safety.

AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these traits while testing OriginRemote.

OriginRemote likely collects sensitive information, as data-tracking functionalities are standard for adware. Data of interest can include: browsing and search histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. This vulnerable information can be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, software like OriginRemote can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by OriginRemote
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 the 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

We have examined numerous adware-type apps; SystemRecordMapperRankingBufferDeveloper, and ElementaryInterface are merely a few examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless.

Users are enticed to download/install by promises of various handy functionalities. These functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Remember that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive poof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did OriginRemote install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary software. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. These advertisements are used to spread advertising-supported software as well.

Adware is also endorsed on innocent-looking promotional pages and scam sites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation processes have to be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so on.

We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

Should you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OriginRemote, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once OriginRemote installation is complete

OriginRemote adware's installation folder:

OriginRemote adware install 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 adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

OriginRemote adware removal:

Remove OriginRemote-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-delivered ads promote content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware runs intrusive advert campaigns. Typically, the software displays advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OriginRemote adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all kinds of threats, including adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden in the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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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.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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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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