Remove apps that open apps-notification.com and similar pages

What is apps-notification[.]com?

apps-notification[.]com mostly targets iOS and macOS users, however, Android and Windows users are targeted as well. This website promotes dubious (or legitimate) software in deceptive ways. It claims that the visitor's device is (or might be) infected with viruses and offers download and installation of another application.

You are strongly advised not to trust any notifications that apps-notification[.]com display. Generally, users do not visit such pages intentionally - in most cases, they are opened through deceptive advertisements, other dubious web pages, or by installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

apps-notification[.]com claims that the visitor's iPad might be hacked, or an Apple device (e.g., iPhone) is infected with viruses. It offers to remove the viruses or protect the device from being infected using another dubious application. At the time of research, apps-notification[.]com led to a download page for AdsBlock for Safari.

Android users are invited to install an app called Android Cleaner, whilst Windows users are invited to install PC Cleaner, Norton AntiVirus and/or McAfee. Note that apps-notification[.]com advertises both legitimate and dubious software. Therefore, all software should be downloaded only from official websites.

Avoid deceptive sites such as apps-notification[.]com. If this or other similar sites are opened regularly by the browser often, this is very likely to be due to an installed PUA.

PUAs are commonly designed to force browsers to open dubious websites such as apps-notification[.]com and also to display ads and/or gather various data. They can also feed users with intrusive advertisements. T

hey serve coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and other advertisements that, when clicked, can open dubious websites or download and install unwanted applications by executing certain scripts. PUAs can also collect IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, geolocations, and other browsing data.

In some cases, the apps record personal details. Furthermore, the data might be sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) and/or misused to generate revenue in other ways.

Threat Summary:

Name	apps-notification.com pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Fake Claim	This page claims that the device is (or might be) infected with viruses.
Serving IP Address	45.79.56.187
Promoted Application	AdsBlock for Safari, Android Cleaner, PC Cleaner, Norton AntiVirus, McAfee.
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.

Some examples of similar deceptive websites are securityvpnapp[.]com, driveandparkgame[.]com and extrasafe[.]xyz. They are used to deceive visitors into downloading and installing an application (often dubious): they claim that the device is infected with viruses and that they should be removed with a specific app immediately.

As mentioned, users often arrive on these pages unintentionally - they are often opened by installed PUAs.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Commonly, users download and install potentially unwanted apps together with regular software. I.e., when PUAs are included into the set-ups of other programs as 'additional offers'.

Many users fail to check and change the "Advanced", "Custom" or other settings, thereby allowing PUAs to infiltrate. This distribution method of unwanted apps is known as "bundling". Sometimes unwanted downloads and installations happen when users click deceptive advertisements that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

It is important to download files and programs only from trustworthy, official websites and via direct links. Other channels and sources such as third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, etc., are often monetized by distributing unwanted, even malicious apps.

The same applies to third party installers. Check all "Custom"and "Advanced" settings and decline offers to download or install additionally-included, unwanted software. Do not click ads that appear on pages relating to gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc. since they can open other untrusted pages or even cause download/installation of unwanted apps.

Remove all unwanted, suspicious add-ons, plug-ins and extensions from the browser, and programs of this kind installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text in a pop-up window (see screenshot above):

Attention!
We have detected a suspicious activity on sites you visited. Close this notification and follow the instructions to protect your Apple devices immediately.

Screenshot of a pop-up window of the main apps-notification.com desktop version:

Screenshot of the main apps-notification.com background page:

Text in this notification:

Your iPad may be hacked!
Due to recent surfing on the suspicious sites, your personal data on this iPad may be stolen via hidden scripts by cybercriminals. In case it happens, they can access all other Apple devices linked to this Apple ID and are vulnerable. Your devices may be blocked today if no action is taken.

 

Install the most trusted cyber security application and activate for free to protect your Apple ID credentials and your iCloud data from loss.
0 minute 42 seconds
Install    Cancel

Screenshot of a pop-up of another apps-notification[.]com variant:

Text in this pop-up:

Warning!
Apple device is infected with viruses picked up while surfing recent corrupted sites. Tap OK and follow the instructions to protect your Apple devices.

Screenshot of a second pop-up notification of another apps-notification[.]com variant:

Text in this notification:

Your Apple iPhone is severely damaged by 19 viruses!
We have detected that your Browser is (59%) DAMAGED by BROWSER TROJAN VIRUSES picked up while surfing recent corrupted sites.

 

Immediately install mobile security application or sensitive data like your Facebook account, WhatsApp messages, photos and private applications will be infected and stolen.
0 minute 41 seconds
Install    Cancel

Mobile version of this notification:

apps-notification[.]com offering to install the latest security update to promote a dubious app (GIF):

Text in this pop-up:

Security Update
Please install and activate the latest security app to block online threats and continue watching in safe mode
Install

Screenshot of apps-notification[.]com targeting Android users:

Text in this notification:

Install mobile security application right now to improve performance of your phone and improve battery life.
UPDATE!CANCEL
may be at risk!

 

Due to the latest problems with , we have released an update of the Android Cleaner which will find all viruses and potential threats and will also clean junk files and improve battery life.

Update right now to boost your and improve performance of your phone and improve battery life.

Install the recommended app for FREE to clean and strengthen your immediately!
5 minutes 52 seconds

Install

Cancel

Screenshot of apps-notification[.]com targeting Windows users:

Text in this notification:

System recommendation!

 

Clean up your Windows after surfing the web!

 

Please note: Lots of junk files build up over time on Windows computers. It is recommended to remove them and free up disk space.
Solution: Install PC Cleaner, the all-in-one Windows utility that includes:
Fast junk files cleanup
Windows memory cleaner
Protect your private data
DOWNLOAD NOW

apps-notification[.]com promoting Your McAfee Subscription Has Expired pop-up scam: (GIF):

apps-notification[.]com promoting Norton Subscription Has Expired Today pop-up scam:

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

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 apps-notification[.]com?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

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

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove 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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