How to remove HorizonLiving adware and the ads it displays

What is HorizonLiving?

HorizonLiving is an adware-type application our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and this app has data tracking abilities. Additionally, we have determined that HorizonLiving belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

HorizonLiving adware overview

Advertising-supported software can require certain factors to be met in order to operate as designed. For example, this software might not display ads unless the browser/system specs or user geolocation are compatible, visits to particular websites are made, or similar. However, whether or not HorizonLiving (or other adware) delivers advertisements is irrelevant - since its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.

Adware-displayed adverts promote unreliable/hazardous sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software - upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that any genuine products encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, scammers use this marketing technique to obtain illegitimate commissions through affiliate programs.

HorizonLiving may have browser hijacker qualities - as they are common for AdLoad adware, although we have not observed any during our tests.

What is more, HorizonLiving targets browsing data, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), credit card numbers, etc. Adware developers monetize the collected information by sharing/selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like HorizonLiving on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by HorizonLiving
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25792), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), McAfee (RDN/Generic.osx), 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

ShareAdvantage, TechPartition, and ViewFont are just a few examples of the latest adware that we have analyzed. This software looks legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did HorizonLiving install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution. Advertising-supported software can have "official" download pages, which are usually accessed inadvertently. Most users enter these sites via mistyped URs or redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

We also recommend being vigilant when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

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

HorizonLiving adware's installation folder:

HorizonLiving adware installed onto a Safari browser:

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 HorizonLiving?
• STEP 1. Remove HorizonLiving related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove HorizonLiving ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove HorizonLiving adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove HorizonLiving ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove HorizonLiving adware using Combo Cleaner:

HorizonLiving adware removal:

Remove HorizonLiving-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 endangers device integrity and user safety. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, software, products, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HorizonLiving adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware itself is (manually) eliminated - file leftovers remain hidden in the system. What is more, these remnants might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.

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