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How to remove DevelopEfficient application

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

What kind of application is DevelopEfficient?

DevelopEfficient is an application that our team has discovered while examining deceptive web pages. We have tested this app and found that it displays annoying advertisements. Software of this type is called adware. Typically, users install software of this type unintentionally.

DevelopEfficient adware

DevelopEfficient adware in detail

In most cases, clicking on advertisements generated by apps like DevelopEfficient leads to shady web pages (e.g., various scams, download pages for questionable apps, or even malicious sites). It is known that ads coming from advertising-supported apps can be designed to run certain scripts to download (or even install) unwanted software.

We have examined many apps similar to DevelopEfficient and learned that some of them can access sensitive information (such as passwords, credit card details, etc.). Having such apps installed can lead to identity theft, monetary loss, and other problems.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by DevelopEfficient
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26627), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), MAX (Malware (ai Score=65)), Full List (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.

More about adware

Adware is a type of software that shows intrusive advertisements. In addition to displaying ads, adware can hijack a web browser (modify its settings) to promote a fake search engine and (or) gather various information. A big part of advertising-supported apps is promoted/distributed using deceptive methods.

More adware examples are DigitalPaper, MajorSector, and VastVista.

How did DevelopEfficient install on my computer?

One of the most popular ways to trick users into installing apps like DevelopEfficient is to use fake installers (e.g., fake Adobe Flash Player installers). These installers are distributed using shady websites (e.g., web pages claiming that installed software is out of date).

Also, adware is often bundled with other software - it is included in installers as an additional offer. Adware installs after finishing software (that is bundled with adware) without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings. In some cases, adware installs after clicking on deceptive ads designed to run certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Note that downloading and installing software without changing "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings available provided in downloaders and installers can cause unexpected downloads or installations. Thus, always check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps.

Also, do not click on advertisements and notifications shown by dubious, questionable web pages. Download apps and files from official pages (do not use P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources). If your computer is already infected with DevelopEfficient, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of DevelopEfficient adware:

developefficient adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

DevelopEfficient's Contents folder:

developefficient adware contents 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 DevelopEfficient adware using Combo Cleaner:

DevelopEfficient adware removal:

Remove DevelopEfficient-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?

Typically, adware causes issues such as diminished web browsing experience (due to ads covering website contents), decreased computer performance, or even invaded privacy.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported applications generate advertisements. In some cases, they can have additional capabilities (e.g., they can hijack web browsers or collect information).

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most adware developers use affiliate programs as their income channel. They use adware to promote various products, services, web pages, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DevelopEfficient adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove DevelopEfficient and other installed adware. It is important to mention that manual removal can be challenging because files belonging to adware may remain in the system even after the removal. For this reason, we recommend using Combo Cleaner for removal.

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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 DevelopEfficient QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by DevelopEfficient on your mobile device.
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Platform: macOS

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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.