How to eliminate the Wrongfully.app adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Wrongfully.app?
While reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers found the Wrongfully.app application. Upon inspection, we determined that this piece of software is part of the Pirrit adware family. Wrongfully.app adware is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements.
Wrongfully.app adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software; its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, software within this classification displays ads on various interfaces.
This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) can promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware might not operate as designed if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether Wrongfully.app displays ads – it threatens device integrity and user privacy.
Advertising-supported software similar to Wrongfully.app often exhibits browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe these functionalities while testing this application.
Furthermore, adware usually collects sensitive information, and Wrongfully.app might have such data-tracking abilities. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like Wrongfully.app may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Wrongfully.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-HM [PUP]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.29064), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit_AGen.F), 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
We have a investigated thousands of adware-type applications; Effetman.app, Victualry.app, and OriginRemote are just a couple of our latest articles.
While advertising-supported software can appear legitimate and useful, its seldom functions as promised. In most cases, its functionalities are merely bait to trick users into downloading/installing. Remember that even if an app or extension operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.
How did Wrongfully.app install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are primarily accessed via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute this software. Pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.
The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is furthered by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive ads proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, and so on.
We advise vigilance when browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fraudulent and dangerous content. For example, intrusive adverts may appear harmless – yet redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Wrongfully.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Wrongfully.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Wrongfully.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Wrongfully.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Wrongfully.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 Wrongfully.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Wrongfully.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Wrongfully.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Wrongfully.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Wrongfully.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Wrongfully.app adware removal:
Remove Wrongfully.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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software is also classed as a privacy threat since it typically possesses data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Wrongfully.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all kinds of threats, including adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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