How to uninstall the ConfigType adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove ConfigType adware from Mac?
What is ConfigType?
ConfigType is a rogue application classified as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering various intrusive advertisements and promoting fake search engines by making alterations to browser settings. Additionally, most adware-types and browser hijackers have data tracking abilities, which are used to collect browsing-related information. Since most users download/install ConfigType unintentionally, it is categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). One of the dubious methods used to proliferate this app is distribution via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Illegitimate software updaters/installers have been noted spreading not only PUAs but trojans, ransomware, and other malware as well.
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, coupons, banners, surveys, full-page, and different intrusive ads - on any website (or other interfaces). The delivered advertisements severely diminish the browsing experience by limiting webpage visibility and browsing speed. These adverts are more than just a nuisance, they are also deemed to be dangerous. Since upon being clicked, intrusive ads redirect to misleading, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. Some of the adverts can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, with a browser hijacker installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and web searches done via the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address. Fake search engines are rarely able to provide search results, so they tend to redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers ensure persistence by restricting/denying access to the browser settings and/or undoing any permitted changes made. Therefore, restoring an affected browser is impossible - without eliminating the software hijacking it.
Furthermore, most PUAs can track data. They monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather vulnerable information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details). PUA developers monetize the collected data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, presence of unwanted apps on devices - can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, it is crucial to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
Name | Ads by ConfigType |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), BitDefender (Trojan.MAC.Generic.106861), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AK), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal) |
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. |
RotatorBox, StandartProduct, TechResultsSearch - are a few examples of apps within the adware category. They appear ordinary and offer various "useful" functionalities. However, the features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all. In fact, this is true of practically all PUAs. This software's only aim is to generate revenue for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant. PUAs are designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private data.
How did ConfigType install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation setups of other programs. "Bundling" is the name of this deceptive marketing technique - packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive advertisements are also employed to spread PUAs. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user permission. Select PUAs have "official" promotional/download websites as well.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, only official and verified download channels must be used. Unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - are considered to be untrustworthy, as they commonly offer harmful and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, functions, and so on. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate and innocuous; however, they redirect to various questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with ConfigType, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up displayed when ConfigType adware is present:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"ConfigTyped" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting ConfigType adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the ConfigType adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ConfigType.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ConfigType.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ConfigType.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ConfigType.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like ConfigType alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 ConfigType?
- STEP 1. Remove ConfigType related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConfigType ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConfigType adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConfigType ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ConfigType adware using Combo Cleaner:
ConfigType adware removal:
Remove ConfigType-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 configtype 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 ConfigType removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by configtype 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 configtype 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 configtype 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.
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