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How to uninstall the Mulkey adware from your operating system?

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

What is Mulkey?

Mulkey is an adware-type application. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Additionally, most similar adware-types have browser-hijacker traits (i.e., browser modification in promotion of fake search engines) and have data tracking abilities. Hence, Mulkey likely has such functionalities.

Due to the questionable methods used to distribute Mulkey, it is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). This app has been observed being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that fraudulent updaters/installers proliferate not only PUAs but also malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).

Mulkey adware

Mulkey adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited website and/or different interfaces. This software can deliver various pop-ups, banners, coupons, full-page, and other intrusive ads. These advertisements seriously diminish the browsing experience by overlaying site content and slowing down the browsing speed.

Furthermore, intrusive adverts endanger device and user safety. They promote sale-based, rogue, misleading, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and even malicious websites. Some of these ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts designed to stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).

Browser hijackers operate by reassigning browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.

Fraudulent search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can reset any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, restoring an affected browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.

What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. It is crucial to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Mulkey
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (mulkeyd) Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-BM [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22814), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.aa), Full List (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (mulkey) Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-BM [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22870), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.aa), Full List (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (VersionCheck) Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-DA [PUP]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22652), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (installer) Avast (MacOS:Bundlore-GQ [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Bundlore.ELF), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero.bg), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information This application belongs to the Pirrit 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.

Adware in general

CapitalSearchCharacter, BrowserBuffer, and Sorimbrsec are a few examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear legitimate and offer various "useful" functions. However, the features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

In fact, nearly all PUAs lure users into download/installation with fake functionalities. The sole aim of unwanted applications is to generate profit for the developers. PUAs operate by delivering intrusive advert campaigns, hijacking browsers, causing redirects, and gathering private data.

How did Mulkey install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed via download/installation setups of other products. This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements are also used to proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to download/install these apps without user permission. Some PUAs may also have "official" promotional webpages from which they can be downloaded.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software prior to download/installation. Only official and verified download channels must be used. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and harmful content.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the device must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with Mulkey, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting Mulkey adware;

First installation step:

Delusive installer used to promote Mulkey adware (step 1)

Second installation step:

Delusive installer used to promote Mulkey adware (step 2)

Third installation step:

Delusive installer used to promote Mulkey adware (step 3)

Files related to the Mulkey adware that need to be removed:

  • /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.mulkeyd.plist
  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.VersionCheck.plist
  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.mulkey.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like Mulkey 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.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the system settings

Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the network settings

Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".

Changing proxy settings - 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".

Changing proxy settings - untick all the options and set their settings to default

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 Mulkey adware using Combo Cleaner:

Mulkey adware removal:

Remove Mulkey-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.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
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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