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How to remove DivisionIndexer from a browser and the operating system?

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

What is DivisionIndexer?

DivisionIndexer serves advertisements and promotes a fake search engine (its address). Therefore, it functions not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker. Moreover, it is very likely that DivisionIndexer collects browsing data and/or other information as well.

Typically, users do not download and install adware and browser hijackers intentionally, for this reason apps of this type are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

DivisionIndexer adware

Adware is a type of software that serves banners, coupons, pop-up ads, surveys and/or other types of advertisements. Quite often users who click those ads end up on untrustworthy pages. In some cases those ads can be designed to cause download and/or installation of some unwanted application.

In one way or another, it is advised not to click such ads. Furthermore, DivisionIndexer is designed to hijack browsers/promote the address of some fake search engine.

Typically, apps of this type do that by changing address of homepage, new tab and default search engine so that users would have to visit a certain address when they open a browser, new tab and/or enter search queries into URL bar.

It is worthwhile to mention that changes that were made by a browser hijacker can be undone only when that app is no longer installed on the operating system and/or browser. Additionally, apps like DivisionIndexer tend to be designed to collect browsing-related information like user's IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, etc.

However, there are many adware-type apps that can read sensitive information (e.g., passwords, credit card details) as well. The worst thing about adware-type apps being designed to collect such data is that their developers may misuse it to generate revenue.

For example, they might sell it to third parties (potentially cyber criminals). In such case they would put users at risk problems like identity theft, issues related browsing safety, online privacy, or other problems.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by DivisionIndexer
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.

OptimalRecord, DivisionInitiator and ProgressHandler are the names of other apps that are classified as adware (and function as browser hijackers as well). It is common that they do not include any features, nor their improve browsing experience in any other way.

In other words, they are useless to their users and designed only to generate revenue for their developers. Therefore, it is advised to never have any adware (or browser hijacker) installed on a browser and/or the operating system.

How did DivisionIndexer install on my computer?

More often than not PUAs are distributed/promoted by integrating them in download and/or installation setups of other programs. This method to distribute apps is called "bundling". As a rule, developers include PUAs as additional offers that can be declined via "Advanced", "Custom" or other settings of setups, or via available checkboxes (by unticking them).

Nevertheless, not all users check and change those settings when they download and/or install programs and that download and/or install PUAs too. In some cases such downloads and/or installations can be caused by clicking ads that are designed to execute certain scripts. As a rule, ads of this kind appear on untrustworthy pages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Programs and files should be downloaded only from official pages (and via direct links). Third party downloaders, installers, unofficial sites, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), etc., can be used to promote/distribute unwanted, potentially malicious apps.

Download and/or installation setups that have settings (or checkboxes) should be checked for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Since ads that appear on shady pages can cause unwanted downloads and/or installations (or simply open untrustworthy pages), they should not be clicked.

If there are any suspicious, unwanted extensions, plug-ins and/or add-ons installed on a browser, then they should be removes. This same should done with programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with DivisionIndexer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DivisionIndexer installation is over:

divisionindexer adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

DivisionIndexer's installation folder:

divisioninitiator adware 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 DivisionIndexer adware using Combo Cleaner:

DivisionIndexer adware removal:

Remove DivisionIndexer-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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