Avoid download of apps advertised through numberonevpn.com

What is numberonevpn[.]com?

numberonevpn[.]com is a deceptive website that targets iPhone, iPad, and desktop computer (iMac) users. Its main purpose is to trick visitors into downloading an application designed to remove fake viruses supposedly detected by the numberonevpn[.]com website.

Do not trust websites of this type or download apps advertised through them. These website are often opened by potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) installed on browsers or computers/mobile devices.

When opened, numberonevpn[.]com displays a pop-up window which notifies visitors of 'detected viruses'. According to this message, numberonevpn[.]com has detected 39 viruses that will corrupt the SIM card and destroy all contacts stored on it. It is also stated that these viruses will damage photos, data, apps, etc., unless they are removed immediately.

When this pop-up is closed, numberonevpn[.]com opens another web page stating that the Apple device is damaged by 30 harmful viruses that were installed through adult websites that were previously visited.

To remove these viruses, users are encouraged to click the "Repair Now" button, which leads to Apple Store (the ReSecure app download page), however, it is possible that at different times, numberonevpn[.]com might be used to advertise other apps.

Since ReSecure is available on an official Apple web page, it is very likely that this is a legitimate app, however, do not trust or use apps advertised on sites designed to trick people into installing them using deceptive methods (by displaying fake virus alerts, and so on).

As mentioned, sites such as numberonevpn[.]com are often opened by PUAs installed on the system. These usually cause redirects to dubious web pages and gather information. Typically, developers design them to record details such as users' IP addresses, geolocations, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, and so on.

Furthermore, they share the information with other parties (potentially cyber criminals) who can misuse it to generate revenue. In any case, you are strongly advised to uninstall all PUAs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	numberonevpn.com pop-up
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus.
Serving IP Address (numberonevpn[.]com)	157.230.152.172
Detection Names	Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Promoted Application	ReSecure
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), fake flash player installers, 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.

numberonevpn[.]com is similar to other pages of this type including safetyvpn[.]net, mobillevpn[.]information, and thevpnsafety[.]com - these are just some examples. Generally, these sites inform visitors that their Apple devices are infected with a number of viruses and encourage them to remove the threats with various applications.

Do not trust applications promoted using deceptive websites and that display fake error/virus and other messages. Additionally, PUAs that open these sites should not be trusted. Developers advertise them as legitimate and useful, however, they can lead to dubious sites and collect information relating to users' browsing habits - they provide no 'useful features' or any other value.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Most PUAs are installed through intrusive, deceptive advertisements that people intentionally or unintentionally click, or when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". They use this to trick people into installing unwanted apps through the set-ups of other software that people with to download.

To achieve this, developers hide information about these additionally-included apps in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings/options of the download/installation set-ups. People who download or install programs without checking the settings often allow PUAs to be downloaded and installed as well.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Download software from official websites and via direct download links. Download sources such as third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule, torrent clients and others), and other similar channels should not be used.

The same applies to installations through third party installers - do not use them. Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other options of the download/installation setup. Dismiss any offers to download or install unwanted applications. Avoid untrustworthy websites or clicking intrusive ads displayed on them.

These ads often lead to dubious sites or cause unwanted downloads/installations. If the browser causes unwanted redirects or shows ads regularly, remove all unwanted, unknown extensions, add-ons, and plugins that are installed. Also apply this to programs of this type installed on the operating system.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Screenshot of a pop-up window displayed on the desktop version:

Text presented in versions of the pop-up (mobile and desktop):

ATTENTION - Viruses found!
Your Apple is severely damaged by (39) viruses! Soon your Apple SIM card will be corrupt and it will damage your contacts, photos, data, applications, etc..

Second page of the numberonevpn[.]com site:

Text in this page:

Your iPhone is severly damaged by (39) viruses
We've noticed that your Apple is 28.1% Damaged by (30) harmful viruses from recent adult sites. It will soon corrupt your iPhone's SIM card and damage your contacts, photos, data, and applications.
4 minutes and 52 seconds
If you don't remove the virus now, it will cause serious damage to your iPhone. Here's what you need to do (step by step):

Step 1: Tap and install ReSecure for free on the App Store!

Step 2: Open the application to speed up and fix your browser now!

Appearance of numberonevpn[.]com scam (GIF):

Download page of the ReSecure app:

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

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 numberonevpn[.]com?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove 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.

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