How to eliminate the Laser.app adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Laser.app?
While investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team discovered the Laser.app application. After inspecting this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the Pirrit malware family. Laser.app operates by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements.
Laser.app adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces, e.g., visited websites, desktops, or others. Note that specific conditions may be necessary for this software to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Laser.app delivers adverts – it endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements mainly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Some of them can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While we have investigated instances of Pirrit applications possessing browser-hijacking abilities, Laser.app did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Laser.app. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like Laser.app can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Laser.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-FA [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27699), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to 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
We have examined countless adware-type applications; ExploreOpenWin, Reinquire, Cucullate, and LogarithmicProcess are but a few examples.
Software within this category typically appears genuine and innocuous. Users can be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities, which are rarely operational. However, keep in mind that the mere presence of functional features does not guarantee a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Laser.app install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and deceptive/scam websites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used in adware distribution.
Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the danger of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Laser.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Laser, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "laser"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Laser.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Laser.app" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
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 Laser.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Laser.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Laser.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Laser.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Laser.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Laser.app adware removal:
Remove Laser.app-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 promote online scams and malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software may be capable of enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces, causing redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing various sites, software, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Laser.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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