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How to uninstall KeySection from a computer

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

What kind of application is KeySection?

Following an assessment of KeySection, it has been established that its primary purpose is to inundate users with intrusive advertisements. KeySection operates as adware. It is crucial to emphasize that applications similar to KeySection are often installed by users unintentionally due to the methods used to advertise and distribute them.

KeySection adware

KeySection adware in detail

Adware programs like KeySection are commonly presented as helpful tools or utilities despite their primary purpose being to flood users with advertisements. These ads can take various forms, including pop-up windows, banners, auto-play videos, interstitial ads, etc. Advertisements displayed by KeySection can be intrusive and deceptive.

Users may be enticed to engage with these advertisements, believing they will access legitimate content (e.g., offers). However, ads from KeySection can lead users to dubious websites. These ads may lead them to sites hosting malware or other questionable software. Additionally, some of the ads presented by KeySection may guide users to phishing pages that use deceitful tactics to steal sensitive information.

Users may also encounter technical support scams intended to trick them into purchasing unnecessary services or software or even providing scammers remote access to their computers. Consequently, it is highly advisable not to place trust in advertisements originating from applications like KeySection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by KeySection
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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), 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 can be designed to collect information concerning users' browsing habits, search queries, and even sensitive details like credit card information and login credentials. This data is often shared with third parties, raising significant concerns about breaches of privacy.

Additionally, adware can utilize browser hijacking methods, manipulating browser settings to force users to visit unwanted websites, including fake search engines. Other examples of applications that exhibit behavior similar to KeySection are InterfaceBrowser, GeneralExplorer, and EssentialProcesser.

How did KeySection install on my computer?

Adware is frequently bundled with other software, and users who rush through installations without reviewing options may unintentionally install it. Pirated software pages often display fake download buttons leading to adware, while deceptive ads on websites can also cause adware installations.

Adware distributors may use social engineering to trick users into downloading seemingly harmless files that turn out to be adware.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

When installing software, it is crucial for users to take the time to carefully review the installation options and uncheck any boxes that may add extra or unrelated software to prevent unintended installations.

Furthermore, when downloading software or applications, users should exercise caution and stick to trusted sources like official app stores (e.g., Google Play Store, Apple App Store) or the official pages of reputable software developers.

Additionally, it is advisable to be cautious when dealing with ads, links, pop-ups, and similar elements on questionable websites to ensure online security.a If your computer is already infected with KeySection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A message that appears after the installation of KeySection adware:

A message that appears after the installation of KeySection adware

KeySection's installation folder:

KeySection adware 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:

Video showing how to remove KeySection adware using Combo Cleaner:

KeySection adware removal:

Remove KeySection-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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 harm users by bombarding them with unwanted ads, disrupting their online experience, and posing privacy risks by collecting and sometimes sharing their data with third parties. Also, adware can impact the performance of a computer.

What does adware do?

The main purpose of this software is to show ads. Also, it can hijack web browsers and gather various information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers make money by promoting different products, websites, or services, with most of their income coming from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove KeySection adware?

Combo Cleaner will run a computer scan to remove all adware-type applications. It is important to note that manual removal may not always be comprehensive, as certain files could remain concealed within the system. Even if the software is uninstalled, some of its components may persist and continue to function.

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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.

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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.

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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.