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MacShiny Unwanted Application (Mac)

Also Known As: MacShiny potentially unwanted application
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is MacShiny?

Developers present MacShiny as a high quality system optimization tools that helps to remove junk files and optimizes settings to improve system performance. Judging on appearance alone, MacShiny may seem legitimate, however, this tool can infiltrate systems without users' consent. Therefore, MacShiny is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).

MacShiny unwanted application

Research shows that MacShiny is likely to infiltrate systems without users' permission. Typically, these potentially unwanted applications are distributed using fake error messages and the "bundling" method. Most are deceptive. They feed users with misleading system scan results and encourage them to purchase 'advanced' software versions to remove the issues.

It is currently not confirmed whether MacShiny is deceptive or malicious, but apps that infiltrate systems without consent often deliver no real value for regular users. Therefore, we strongly advise you to think twice before using this application and especially paying for activation.

In addition, "bundling" is often used to proliferate several rogue applications (usually adware and browser hijackers) at once. If MacShiny has infiltrated your computer without permission, you should eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

Threat Summary:
Name MacShiny potentially unwanted application
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:MacShiny-B [Trj]), BitDefender (Application.MAC.MacShiny.CV), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/UwS.MacShiny.A), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:Downloader.OSX.MacShiny.a), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady 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.

There are hundreds of potentially unwanted applications, most of which are virtually identical.

By offering 'useful features', these apps attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, rather than providing the functionality promised, they deliver intrusive advertisements, cause unwanted redirects, and gather sensitive information, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and computer safety.

Potentially unwanted applications are designed only to generate revenue for the developers and most are useless.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

As mentioned above, dubious system optimization/anti-virus suites are often proliferated using fake errors and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Fake error messages claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, and so on) and encourage users to download certain software that will supposedly resolve the issues.

"Bundling", on the other hand, is stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications together with regular software/apps. Developers hide "bundled" applications within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

They do not adequately disclose installation of these applications. Furthermore, many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. This behavior leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted applications - users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, to prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Carefully analyze each download/installation step and opt-out of additionally-included applications.

Avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since developers monetize them by promoting ("bundling") rogue apps. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Furthermore, bear in mind that no web browser is capable of detecting malware on your computer.

Therefore, if you encounter error messages when browsing the Internet, they are fake and most are delivered by rogue sites. If you experience these messages, close the browser and uninstall all suspicious applications/browser plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Appearance of MacShiny app (GIF):

Appearance of MacShiny scam (GIF)

Official MacShiny website:

Official MacShiny website

Official MacShiny app installation set-up:

MacShiny installer's setup

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 MacShiny unwanted application using Combo Cleaner:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac adware removal from 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

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.

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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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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
MacShiny potentially unwanted application QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of MacShiny potentially unwanted application on your mobile device.
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Platform: macOS

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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.