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How to remove ResourcesSource adware

Also Known As: Ads by ResourcesSource
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is ResourcesSource?

ResourcesSource is advertised as a tool that helps to search more effectively, however, this app is categorized as adware. In most cases, adware displays various advertisements and records data when installed. Typically, people download and install apps of this type unintentionally and, for this reason, they are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

ResourcesSource adware

When adware is installed on the browser and/or operating system, it deploys ads (coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc.). People who click them are redirected to dubious web pages. For example, sites that trick people into downloading and installing unwanted, potentially malicious software.

Sometimes these ads run scripts that cause download/installation of unwanted applications. In any case, it is not safe to click ads that appear due to installed adware. Furthermore, applications such as ResourcesSource are often used to record IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, geolocations, and other browsing-related details.

ResourcesSource is capable of accessing information from websites such as passwords, credit card details, and telephone numbers. Adware developers often misuse the data to generate revenue and share it with third parties (who also misuse it). Therefore, ResourcesSource and other installed adware should be uninstalled immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ResourcesSource
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names (ResourcesSource.app.zip) 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 (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.

Examples of other adware-type apps similar to ResourcesSource are SystemJump, BrowserToday, and ExtraBrowser. People who use these apps and have them installed risk becoming victims of identity theft. They might also experience problems relating to browsing safety, online privacy, and so on.

Therefore, do not download or install apps that are categorized as adware, especially if they are advertised on dubious websites.

How did ResourcesSource install on my computer?

People do not generally download/install adware and other PUAs intentionally. This usually happens when they click deceptive ads that execute certain scripts or during download/installation of other (usually free) programs. The method that is used to distribute unwanted apps through other software is called "bundling".

Developers use it to trick people into downloading/installing PUAs with regular programs that they wish download or install intentionally.

To achieve this, criminals include unwanted apps into the set-ups and hide related information in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings. Some people fail to check and change these settings when they download/install software, thus granting PUAs permission to be downloaded and installed.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

It is not safe to download or install software from unofficial websites, via third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, or other sources/tools of this kind. Programs and files should be downloaded only from official web pages.

Note that download and installation set-ups often contain settings such as "Custom"," Advanced", etc. Do not leave them unchecked, since they often contain offers to download/install unwanted programs (dismiss these offers). Advertisements that are displayed on dubious site should not be trusted or clicked.

They might lead to potentially malicious web pages or cause download/installation of unwanted applications. If there are any unwanted, suspicious or unknown extensions, add-ons or plug-ins installed on the browser, remove them immediately. The same applies to software of this kind installed on the computer (operating system).

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

Pop-up window displayed once ResourcesSource installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once ResourcesSource installation is done

ResourcesSource extension installed on Safari:

ResourcesSource adware installed on Safari

Installation folder of ResourcesSource:

ResourcesSource installation folder contents

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 ResourcesSource adware using Combo Cleaner:

ResourcesSource adware removal:

Remove ResourcesSource-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.

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.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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