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How to remove the InkInfo adware from your operating system?

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

What is InkInfo?

InkInfo is a piece of rogue software classified as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. Since most users unintentionally download/install apps of type, they are also considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

InkInfo adware

InkInfo adware overview

Adware delivers various pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, full-page, and other intrusive ads - on any visited website and/or different interfaces. The advertisements seriously diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety.

The ads promote a wide variety of sale-based, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and even malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) stealthily - once they are clicked on.

Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted search engine's address.

Fraudulent web searchers usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other legitimate search engines. What is more, browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring tactics to prevent users from recovering their browsers.

Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Targeted information includes browsing activity, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, unwanted apps can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even lead to identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by InkInfo
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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.
▼ 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

DiscoveryHandlerPathNetwork, and OfficialDesign are a few apps within the adware classification. They appear legitimate and offer "handy" features, which are seldom operational. In fact, this applies to nearly all PUAs. Functionality and user safety are irrelevant, as the sole purpose of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers.

How did InkInfo install on my computer?

PUAs are spread employing the "bundling" marketing technique - packing regular programs with various additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Select PUAs also have "official" promotional/download pages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is strongly advised to research software and only download it from official/verified channels. Dubious sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled/harmful content.

When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all additions. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate, yet they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with InkInfo, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once InkInfo adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once InkInfo installation is complete

InkInfo adware's installation folder:

InkInfo adware install 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 InkInfo adware using Combo Cleaner:

InkInfo adware removal:

Remove InkInfo-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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish the browsing quality and decrease system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, the ads delivered by adware - can be malicious and cause other severe issues.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., this software displays various adverts on any visited website and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, services, etc.); most of the profit is created through affiliate programs. The developers of this software can earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove InkInfo adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating all adware-type apps. On the other hand, manual removal might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware is (manually) deleted - various file leftovers remain hidden in the system. What is more, such remnants can continue running and causing problems.

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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.

QR Code
Ads by InkInfo QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by InkInfo on your mobile device.
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