How to eliminate the Reinquire adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Reinquire?
Reinquire is a rogue application that operates as advertising-supported software (adware). It is part of the Pirrit adware family. The Reinquire app is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have additional harmful capabilities.
Reinquire adware overview
Adware is designed to display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements can decrease browsing quality or system performance. They also endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware.
When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission. It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, particular sites are not visited, etc. However, even if Reinquire does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
While we have found instances of Pirrit applications exhibiting browser-hijacking traits, we did not observe these abilities while testing Reinquire.
Adware tends to collect sensitive user information, and data-tracking functionalities may be part of the Reinquire app. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Reinquire on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Reinquire |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:MaxOfferDeal-DB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Application.Generic.3229109), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Rogue Process Name | Reinquire (process name may vary) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit adware 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
Cucullate, ExploreOpenWin, and LogarithmicProcess are merely a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Software within this category usually appears legitimate and offers various features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Reinquire install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps or sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Reinquire, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Reinquire, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "reinquire"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Reinquire adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Reinquire" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a un unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Reinquire process on the Activity Monitor ("Reinquire" – process name):
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 Reinquire?
- STEP 1. Remove Reinquire related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Reinquire ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Reinquire adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Reinquire ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Reinquire adware removal:
Remove Reinquire-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-delivered advertisements can endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, it is considered to be a privacy threat due to its data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Reinquire adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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