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How to remove the Moon Browser adware

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

What kind of application is Moon Browser?

Moon Browser is the name of a Chromium-based browser. After testing this browser, we found that it promotes the feed.moonbrowser.com address. Feed.moonbrowser.com is a fake search engine. Thus, it is recommended not to use it as a tool to browse the Internet and avoid using browsers (and other apps) used to promote fake search engines.

Moon Browser adware

More about Moon Browser

Moon Browser has the feed.moonbrowser.com address as the default search engine in its settings. Feed.moonbrowser.com shows results generated by Google (redirects to google.com) when a search query is entered into the URL bar. It shows results generated by Yahoo (redirects to search.yahoo.com) when a search query is entered into the search bar.

Fake search engines cannot be trusted because they can generate misleading results and display results generated by untrustworthy search engines. In some cases, they can display ads among their search results. Either way, it is advisable to use only legitimate search engines.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Moon Browser
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (Installer) N/A (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (Application) N/A (VirusTotal)
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.

Apps of this kind in general

Applications like Moon Browser usually are distributed and promoted using deceptive techniques. Thus, they get downloaded and installed unknowingly. Also, they can be used to collect information about users. If Moon Browser is already installed on the operating system, then we strongly advise removing it as soon as possible.

More examples of applications designed to promote fake search engines are Bar1 New Tab, OriginType, PlatformDeploy.

How did Moon Browser install on my computer?

Questionable applications often are distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters. These fake installers are promoted on deceptive websites. Also, these apps can be distributed using shady advertisements, downloaders, and installers for other software.

Unwanted apps get installed alongside other software after finishing the installation processes without changing certain settings. Typically, installers (and downloaders) containing adware have "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings (or ticked checkboxes).

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download applications and files from trustworthy sources like official pages and legitimate platforms. Do not trust apps (or files) downloaded from shady websites or via third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc. Check downloaders and installers for optional downloads and installations. Deselect unwanted apps before downloading or installing programs.

Do not click on advertisements appearing on questionable websites or allow such pages to show notifications. If your computer is already infected with Moon Browser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Feed.moonbrowser.com redirects to google.com (GIF):

moon browser adware feed.moonbrowser.com redirects to google.com

The installer for Moon Browser:

Delusive installer used to promote Moon Browser adware

Moon Browser's description:

moon browser adware description

Screenshot the settings of the Moon Browser where feed.moonbrowser.com is the default search engine:

moon browser adware changes the default search engine to feed.moonbrowser.com

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 adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Moon Browser adware removal:

Remove Moon Browser-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?

The most common problems with having adware present are diminished browsing experience, manipulated web browser settings, decreased computer performance, and invaded privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware bombards users with unwanted advertisements. In some cases, it can operate as a browser hijacker (promote a fake search engine) and collect various information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

They use adware to promote various websites, services, products, and so forth. Typically, their primary source of income is affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Moon Browser?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware from the operating system (and a web browser). It is worth mentioning that manual removal does not always work because files belonging to adware remain in the system even when the adware itself is no longer present. Thus, it is advisable to remove such apps using software like Combo Cleaner.

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