Removal instructions for the RecordManager adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is RecordManager?
RecordManager is an adware-type application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software runs intrusive advert campaigns.
RecordManager adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software, and as the name implies – its goal is to generate revenue for the developers through advertising. Usually, adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (adverts) on visited websites or other interfaces.
Advertisements of this kind endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Remember that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to function as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if RecordManager does not deliver adverts – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.
Furthermore, AdLoad apps tend to have browser-hijacking capabilities – yet we did not observe these traits during testing. What is more, RecordManager likely has data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for adware.
Collected data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like RecordManager on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Ads by RecordManager |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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. |
Adware examples
FrequencyIndexer, Diagram.app, Linkmanager, EssentialOperation, and AdminFlow are merely some of our latest articles on adware-type apps.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of useful functionalities, which are rarely operational. Note that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did RecordManager install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from dubious channels, e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking pages and scam sites. They are mainly accessed via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with RecordManager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once RecordManager adware's installation is over:
RecordManager adware's installation 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
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Quick menu:
- What is RecordManager?
- STEP 1. Remove RecordManager related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RecordManager ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RecordManager adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RecordManager ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
RecordManager adware removal:
Remove RecordManager-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-displayed ads promote content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software's presence can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, adware is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RecordManager adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan systems and remove installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
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