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How to uninstall UpdaterChannel adware

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

What is UpdaterChannel?

This app is classified as adware and displays various online advertisements. It also functions as a browser hijacker, promoting a fake search engine by changing certain browser settings. Additionally, UpdaterChannel is designed to promote the Safe Finder website by opening it through the akamaihd.net address.

There are many adware-type apps that collect data, and this might include UpdaterChannel. These rogue programs are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), since users tend to download and install them accidentally.

UpdaterChannel adware

Usually, software such as UpdaterChannel serves intrusive advertisements, which tend to open dubious websites. Sometimes these ads can run scripts that download or even install PUAs. Some examples of ads that UpdaterChannel and other apps display include coupons, surveys, pop-ups, and banners.

As mentioned, UpdaterChannel change browser settings to promote a fake search engine. Typically, apps that hijack browsers in this way change settings such as the address of the default search engine, homepage, and new tab.

They assign these to the address of a fake search engine so that users are forced to visit the site when they open a browser, new tab, or enter search queries. Commonly, these changes cannot be undone as long as the app that made them is installed.

Furthermore, UpdaterChannel might enable developers to generate revenue by collecting IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages and other browsing data. Adware can also be designed to collect personal, sensitive information.

Developers sell the data to third parties or misuse it to generate revenue in other ways. In summary, installed adware can lead to unwanted downloads/installations, problems relating to browsing safety, online privacy, and even identity theft. Therefore, neither UpdaterChannel nor other apps of this types can be trusted - they should never be downloaded or installed.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by UpdaterChannel
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Additional Information This application belongs to 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), 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.

ImagineReview, ProgressMatch and StockCommon are the names of other apps that are very similar to/operate in the same way as UpdaterChannel. There are many other apps of this type online. Commonly, developers advertise them as useful and legitimate, however, most are useless and can cause serious problems.

If UpdaterChannel or other adware is already installed on the browser and/or operating system, remove it immediately.

How did UpdaterChannel install on my computer?

Typically, users download and install adware with other software. I.e., when rogue software is included into the download/installation set-ups as additional offers. This PUA distribution method is known as "bundling".

Developers distribute potentially unwanted apps by hiding offers to download or install PUAs in "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings of the set-ups. When people download and install their programs without checking and changing these settings, they often allow additional apps to infiltrate.

Furthermore, PUAs are often downloaded and installed inadvertently when people click deceptive advertisements, which then execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Do not click deceptive ads that appear on dubious pages or download software through unofficial pages, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders/installers, etc. (they are often used to distribute potentially unwanted apps and malware).

Check all settings such as "Custom", "Manual", and "Advanced" and decline offers to download or install unwanted apps before completing the process. Remove any unwanted, suspicious, unknown add-ons, plug-ins and extensions already installed on the browser immediately.

The same should be applied to software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with UpdaterChannel, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once UpdaterChannel installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once UpdaterChannel installation is done

UpdaterChannel redirecting users to the Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

UpdaterChannel redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net

UpdaterChannel installation folder:

updaterchannel contents 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 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 adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

UpdaterChannel adware removal:

Remove UpdaterChannel-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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