AthenaResults adware removal instructions
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is AthenaResults?
AthenaResults is a rogue application, which our researchers discovered while inspecting fake Adobe Flash Player update scam websites. Following analysis, we determined that AthenaResults is an adware-type app belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
AthenaResults adware overview
Once AthenaResults was installed onto our test machine, it began running intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., displaying ads). It is pertinent to mention that adware may require certain factors to be met (e.g., device/browser specs, visits to particular sites, etc.) - to deliver adverts. Hence, while AthenaResults displayed advertisements on our system, it might not on others.
Regardless of whether advertising-supported software delivers advertisements or not - it endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements typically endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software - upon being clicked.
AthenaResults may also have browser hijacker functionalities (although it did not exhibit them during testing), as AdLoad adware tends to have them.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data tracking abilities. It collects sensitive data (e.g., browsing activity, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking information, etc.) and monetizes it through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like AthenaResults on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AthenaResults |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.255), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.k), 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. |
Adware examples
PlatformCache, TaskSample, and UpdaterWebPageEducate are just a couple example of the adware we have researched. This software looks legitimate and offers "useful" features, which are rarely operational. Therefore, in addition to being worthless, adware also poses threats to device integrity and user safety.
How did AthenaResults install on my computer?
The AthenaResults sample we tested was installed by a fake Flash Player updater, which was obtained from a deceptive webpage. Adware can also have "official" download pages.
Websites that promote/proliferate software of this kind are usually accessed via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (capable of force-opening webpages).
Software bundling - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to spread adware as well. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, once clicked on, intrusive adverts can download/install advertising-supported software without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also recommend exercising caution when browsing - since illegal and malicious content typically appears genuine. For example, intrusive ads appear legitimate yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you encounter such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AthenaResults, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the AthenaResults adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.AthenaResults/AthenaResults
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.AthenaResultsDaemon/AthenaResults
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AthenaResults.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AthenaResultsDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the AthenaResults website are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this browser hijacker.
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:
- What is AthenaResults?
- STEP 1. Remove AthenaResults related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AthenaResults ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AthenaResults adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AthenaResults ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AthenaResults adware using Combo Cleaner:
AthenaResults adware removal:
Remove AthenaResults-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 adware-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 exact 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 exact 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 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.
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.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the 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 regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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".
- 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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also a threat to user privacy - since this software usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-delivered can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AthenaResults adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain in the system. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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