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Removal instructions for LauncherRecord adware and the ads it displays

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

What is LauncherRecord?

LauncherRecord is yet another adware-type application belonging to the AdLoad malware family, which our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. This app is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have other harmful abilities.

LauncherRecord adware

LauncherRecord adware overview

Following successful installation onto our test machine, LauncherRecord began delivering advert campaigns (i.e., displaying ads). However, adware can require certain conditions to operate, e.g., compatible device/browser specs, specific user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. The presence of advertising-supported software on systems endangers device/user safety - regardless of whether it delivers advertisements or not.

Adware-displayed ads endorse untrustworthy/hazardous websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can download/install software without user permission - when clicked.

While we have encountered legitimate products through such advertisements, they are not promoted like this by their actual developers. Scammers who abuse affiliate programs commonly use this marketing technique to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, LauncherRecord may have browser hijacker qualities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

This application may have data tracking functionalities as well. Adware typically targets browsing data, personally identifiable details, account credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The developers of this software monetize the gathered information by selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like LauncherRecord on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by LauncherRecord
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25562), ESET-NOD32 ( A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 examples

OriginInputObjectRemote, and AthenaResults are just a couple examples of the adware we have researched. Software within this classification usually appears legitimate. It also offers "useful" and "advantageous" features; however, they rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did LauncherRecord install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using various deceptive/dubious techniques. Apps similar to LauncherRecord are often spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.

Bundling - packing ordinary programs with unwanted/malicious supplements - is also commonly used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements are employed to distribute adware as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional/download sites. Users typically access them via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed advertising-supported software (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and always using official/verified download channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

We also advise being vigilant while browser since illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

If you experience such advertisements/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LauncherRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once LauncherRecord installation is complete

LauncherRecord adware's installation folder:

LauncherRecord 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 LauncherRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:

LauncherRecord adware removal:

Remove LauncherRecord-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 decrease the browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat, as this software typically has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause various severe issues.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to place ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Other types may also force-open dubious/dangerous sites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate most of their profit from affiliate programs by promoting websites, products, software, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove LauncherRecord adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. On the other hand, manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, despite the adware itself being (manually) removed - various leftover files remain in the system. What is more, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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