How to remove BasicDesktop adware from the operating system

What is BasicDesktop?

BasicDesktop is a rogue application categorized as adware. Additionally, this app also has browser hijacker traits. BasicDesktop operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns, modifying browser settings and promoting fake search engines (Safe Finder via akamaihd.net).

Due to the dubious methods used to proliferate BasicDesktop, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Most PUAs have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to monitor users' browsing activity, and it is highly likely that this is the case with BasicDesktop.

Adware-type applications deliver intrusive ads such as pop-ups, banners, coupons and so on. These significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed. Furthermore, when clicked, they can redirect to untrusted/malicious sites and some can download/install PUAs without users' consent.

Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of bogus search engines. Therefore, each search query typed into the URL bar and each new browser tab/window opened redirects to the promoted address.

BasicDesktop promotes Safe Finder through akamaihd.net in this manner. Fake search engines are seldom capable of providing search results, and so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine sites. Even in cases when they can generate some results, these tend to be inaccurate and/or promote dubious and malicious pages.

Recovering a hijacked browser without removing the software affecting it is impossible, since any changes users attempt to make are automatically undone, if access to the settings is permitted at all. Furthermore, most adware programs and browser hijackers can track data.

They can monitor users' browsing habits (URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries, etc.) and collect personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data is typically shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) intent on misusing it for profit.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking content on browsers/systems can lead to financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, you are strongly advised to eliminate all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by BasicDesktop
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.

MacAppsHD, TypicalFraction, NetGuideSearch, SearchNetLetter and SmartQuestSearch are some examples of other adware programs. They may seem legitimate and harmless, often tempting users into download/installation with offers of "useful" features, however, these functionalities are usually nonoperational. In fact, this applies to most PUAs.

These unwanted apps have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers. Regular users receive no real value and can instead experience serious issues. PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and gather vulnerable information.

How did BasicDesktop install on my computer?

Some PUAs have "official" download pages. They can also be downloaded/installed with other products. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, using pre-set options, skipping steps and sections, etc.), users risk unintentionally allowing bundled or dubious content onto devices. Intrusive ads can infiltrate these applications into systems as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software prior to download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule, etc.) and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and bundled content, and should thus be avoided.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate and innocuous, however, they can redirect to various dubious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and so on).

If you encounter these ads/redirects, check the system and remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. If your computer is already infected with BasicDesktop, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once BasicDesktop installation is complete:

BasicDesktop redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

BasicDesktop adware installation folder:

BasicDesktop adware installed onto the Safari browser:

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

Video showing how to remove BasicDesktop adware using Combo Cleaner:

BasicDesktop adware removal:

Remove BasicDesktop-related 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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