How to remove ActivityConfig adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
How to remove ActivityConfig from Mac?
What is ActivityConfig?
ActivityConfig is functions not only as adware, but also as a browser hijacker: it generates advertisements modifies browser settings to promote the address of some fake search engine. It is likely that this app gathers browsing-related and/or other information as well. One more detail about ActivityConfig is that it is not common for users to download and install such apps intentionally, for this reason it is categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUA).
Some examples of ads that apps like ActivityConfig generate are coupons, surveys, banners, pop-up ads. It is common that their ads are used to promote shady websites or even to distribute unwanted apps by designing them to execute certain scripts that cause download and/or installation of some unwanted app. Furthermore, ActivityConfig hijacks browsers by making changes in their settings. It promotes some fake each engine by making its address as the address of a default search engine, homepage and/or new tab. The changes that were made by ActivityConfig can be undone only when it is no longer installed.
Additionally, it is likely that ActivityConfig can read IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, geolocations, and/or other browsing data. It is important to mention that in some cases such apps can read sensitive information as well. The biggest problem with it is that collected data may be misused to generate revenue by selling it to third parties (potentially cyber criminals), or monetized in other ways. In such case users may encounter problems related to online privacy, browsing safety, or even become victims of identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ActivityConfig |
| 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. |
It is worthwhile to mention that quite often adware-type apps are advertised as legitimate, useful applications. However, in reality most of them are useless and can cause various issues. Therefore, if an app of this type is installed on a browser and/or computer, then it should be uninstalled. More adware examples are DLVPlayer, ActivePower and OptimalUnit.
How did ActivityConfig install on my computer?
It is common that users download and/or install PUAs alongside with other programs. When they finish downloads and/or installations without declining unwanted offers. Usually it can be done via "Advanced", "Custom" or other settings, or by unticking certain checkboxes. This distribution method for PUAs is known as "bundling". In some cases users cause unwanted downloads and/or installations by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to run certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advisable to download software (and files) from official, trustworthy websites, via direct download links. Third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, and other tools, sources of this kind should not be used. Also, it is recommended not to finish downloads and installations without checking "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings and declining unwanted offers. Ads on shady pages should not be clicked as well - they could be designed either to open other sites of this kind or even download and/or install some PUA. Any unwanted extensions, add-ons or plug-ins that are installed on a browser should be removed. Software of this kind that that is installed on the operating system should be uninstalled too. If your computer is already infected with ActivityConfig, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up displayed once ActivityConfig installation is done
ActivityConfig's Contents folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is ActivityConfig?
- STEP 1. Remove ActivityConfig related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ActivityConfig ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ActivityConfig adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ActivityConfig ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ActivityConfig adware using Combo Cleaner:
ActivityConfig adware removal:
Remove ActivityConfig-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 ads by activityconfig 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Ads by ActivityConfig removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by activityconfig related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by activityconfig related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by activityconfig related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!
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