How to remove Chunago.app adware-type application

What kind of application is Chunago.app?

While browsing new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered Chunago.app adware. This application is part of the Pirrit adware family. Chunago.app is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

Chunago.app adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, it functions by displaying advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) on various interfaces like visited webpages, desktops, or others.

However, certain conditions may be necessary for this software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Yet even if Chunago.app does not deliver ads – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams (phishing, tech support, etc.), unreliable/hazardous software (PUAs, browser hijackers, adware, etc.), and malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.). Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It is noteworthy that adware-type apps often have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing Chunago.app.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of Chunago.app. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, advertising-supported software like Chunago.app is associated with the following threats – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

TabGuides, Resile.app, DynamicAlgorithm, and SoftwareIndexer are merely a few of our newest articles on adware. It usually appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of "useful" functionalities. However, adware rarely operates as promised, and in most cases – all its advertised features are nonfunctional.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works exactly as described by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did Chunago.app install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive adverts, sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

This software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from suspicious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.). The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is further increased by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements/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 Chunago.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

When removing Chunago.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Chunago.app"):

• ~/Library/LaunchAgents
• /Library/LaunchDaemons
• /Library/LaunchAgents
• /Library/StartupItems

Pop-up window displayed when Chunago.app adware is present on the system:

Text presented in this pop-up:

"Chunago.app" will damage your computer.

This file was downloaded on a unknown date.

OK
Show in Finder

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is Chunago.app?
• STEP 1. Remove Chunago.app related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove Chunago.app ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove Chunago.app adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove Chunago.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Chunago.app adware removal:

Remove Chunago.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 delivers ads promoting content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware also tends to have data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove Chunago.app adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and remove detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.