Removal instructions for Effetman.app adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Effetman.app?
Effetman.app is an adware-type application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This advertising-supported software belongs to the Pirrit malware family. Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
Effetman.app adware overview
Adware typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. However, certain conditions necessary for this software to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Yet even if Effetman.app does not deliver ads – the application's presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can endorse various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Sneaky downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Browser-hijacking capabilities are common for adware from the Pirrit family. However, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of Effetman.app.
Additionally, advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Effetman.app.
Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of adware on devices is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Effetman.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-HC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.29074), Emsisoft (Adware.MAC.Generic.29074 (B)), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.gen), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit adware 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
Victualry.app, ProductiveRecognition, and OriginRemote are just a couple of our newest articles on adware. Software within this classification rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and harmless.
Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "handy" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension functions exactly as detailed by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did Effetman.app install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (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 advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent. These adverts are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed by scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Effetman.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Effetman.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Effetman.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Effetman.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Effetman.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 Effetman.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Effetman.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Effetman.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Effetman.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Effetman.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Effetman.app adware removal:
Remove Effetman.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 adverts endorse content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Effetman.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate 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 – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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