Officialize.app Adware (Mac)

What kind of application is Officialize.app?

Officialize.app is a rogue application found by our research team during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. Officialize.app belongs to the Pirrit adware family. Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

Officialize.app adware detections on VirusTotal

Officialize.app adware overview

In most cases, adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. These advertisements (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, surveys, etc.) are more than just a mere annoyance, as they can also promote deceptive and dangerous content.

The adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Some can even carry out stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether Officialize.app delivers advertisements – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.

It is noteworthy that adware-type applications commonly possess browser-hijacking abilities. However, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of Officialize.app.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of Officialize.app. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of Officialize.app on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by Officialize.app
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-CH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Pirrit.KF), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BP), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal)
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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Adware examples

Chunago.app, Lathy.app, TabGuides, and Resile.app are just some of our newest articles on Mac-specific adware. Software within this classification rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious. It tends to look ordinary and innocuous.

Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "useful" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. Remember that even if an application or a browser extension functions exactly as detailed by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did Officialize.app install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. These installation setups can be downloaded from dubious channels, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and others.

The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects generated by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open websites).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Officialize.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

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

Pop-up displayed when Officialize.app adware is detected on the system

Text presented in this pop-up:

"Officialize.app" will damage your computer.

This file was downloaded on an 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:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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

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

Officialize.app adware removal:

Remove Officialize.app-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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. 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.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".

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?

Typically, the most serious threats are posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered advertisements, including system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. The presence of this software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Officialize.app adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove all adware-type applications that are present. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.