PowerLift Virus (Mac)

What is PowerLift?

PowerLift is the name of an application classified as adware. When installed, adware-type apps feed users with unwanted, often deceptive advertisements. In some cases, they collect information relating to users' browsing habits. Generally, people download and install adware unintentionally.

Therefore, these apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). PowerLift installs another adware-type app called MacPerformance. This app displays pop-ups with offers for users to update their software. It is very likely that these pop-ups will distribute other PUAs.

PowerLift adware

When installed, programs such as PowerLift display deceptive ads. If clicked, these redirect users to untrustworthy websites or run scripts that download (or even install) other unwanted apps. Typically, adware feeds users with coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and other ads.

Furthermore, PUAs might also record information such as users' IP addresses, addresses of opened pages, entered search queries, geolocations, etc. Developers send the information to other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.

PowerLift installs another similar app called MacPerformance, which asks users for permission to control their browser. I.e., access and control of Google Chrome (or other browsers). if allowed, MacPerformance can then gain access to documents and data within the browser and perform actions within the app.

You are strongly advised to uninstall MacPerformance, PowerLift, and other PUAs from your browser or computer immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by PowerLift
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-AT [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.12326), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.AN), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.s), Full List (VirusTotal)
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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

More examples of apps similar to PowerLift are DisplayUpdate, OpticDaemon, and LightAgent. All display deceptive advertisements and install additional adware (MacPerformance).

Having apps of this type installed can lead to issues with privacy, browsing safety, unwanted downloads, installations, and other problems. To avoid this situation, uninstall all adware and other PUAs immediately.

How did PowerLift install on my computer?

Generally, people download/install adware or other PUAs through intrusive, deceptive ads or the set-ups of other software. When clicked, some ads run scripts that download or even install various unwanted apps.

In other cases, PUAs are downloaded or installed when people download/install other software - developers include PUAs in the set-ups of other programs and hide this information in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings. Many people leave these settings unchanged, thus allowing PUAs to be downloaded and installed with other regular software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Download programs from official web pages and using direct download links. Do not download via third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, unofficial, untrustworthy websites, and so on. Never use third party installers.

Download and install software properly. Check each "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar setting available in the setup and opt-out of offers to download or install additional, unwanted software. Intrusive ads should not be clicked or trusted, especially if they are displayed on dubious pages.

For example, those relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. If clicked, these ads redirect users to untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites or cause unwanted downloads/installations. If there are any unwanted, suspicious extension, add-ons or plug-ins installed on the browser, remove them.

The same applies to programs of this kind installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PowerLift, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

PowerLift adware process in Activity Monitor:

PowerLift process in activity monitor

Screenshot of a pop-up displayed by PowerLift:

PowerLift fake update pop-up

Screenshot of MacPerformance asking for permission to control browser:

mac performance asking for permission to access browser data

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

What is PowerLift?
STEP 1. Remove PowerLift related files and folders from OSX.
STEP 2. Remove PowerLift ads from Safari.
STEP 3. Remove PowerLift adware from Google Chrome.
STEP 4. Remove PowerLift ads from Mozilla Firefox.

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

PowerLift adware removal:

Remove PowerLift-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker 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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".