How to remove the TechnoJourney adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is TechnoJourney?
Our research team discovered the TechnoJourney app while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This piece of software operates as adware. Additionally, TechnoJourney is part of the AdLoad malware family.
TechnoJourney adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. These advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads are capable of performing downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while genuine content may be encountered through these adverts – it is unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether TechnoJourney displays advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user privacy.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking abilities; however, this rogue application did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, TechnoJourney likely has data-tracking functionalities. Adware typically collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like TechnoJourney on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TechnoJourney |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchp), 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), 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
We have analyzed countless adware samples; VirtualNano, ConfigInput, DesignationDrive, DisplayFraction – are just some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It offers a broad range of handy functions to entice users into downloading/installing it. However, the promised features are rarely operational.
Note that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did TechnoJourney install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages enter them through redirects generated by websites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open browsers).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
We also advise exercising caution while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look ordinary/harmless, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TechnoJourney, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TechnoJourney adware's installation is over:
TechnoJourney adware's installation 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:
- What is TechnoJourney?
- STEP 1. Remove TechnoJourney related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TechnoJourney ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TechnoJourney adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TechnoJourney ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TechnoJourney adware using Combo Cleaner:
TechnoJourney adware removal:
Remove TechnoJourney-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. This software commonly has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of various advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TechnoJourney adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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