How to remove ApolloResults adware from Mac PC

Quick methods to delete ApolloResults

ApolloResults is an adware application that intrudes without user approval. It targets Mac OS computers system and almost all types of browsers. This app can relate in collecting users browsing related data, changing settings of installed browsers such as homepage and new tab page. It is uncommon for apps like this that it is downloaded and installed by users intentionally. Therefore, they are called potentially unwanted applications.

Being an adware, ApolloResults also injects intrusive advertisements into various forms to earn their profit. Oftentimes, the ads redirect to potentially unsafe websites leading to adware intrusion, fake downloads and so on. Furthermore, apps like these are meant to tamper browser such as Google chrome, Opera, Edge, Safari etc settings without users’ permission. Instantly, you may notice some changes to your default settings like homepage, search address and new tab.

Besides that, it also promote fake search engine to manipulate the search queries and drop ad-driven search results. As a rule, a hijacked browser can be stopped from opening unwanted address only after uninstalling a browser hijacker. Not to forget, ApolloResults is capable to track browsing data and misuse the info for their own benefits. So, users are highly advised to read this article to know all about PUAs and its best removal solution.

Intrusion tactics of ApolloResults:

Typically, ApolloResults is distributed through a fake installer that is disguised to look as the installer for Adobe Flash Player. Fake installers should not be used as they contain malware such as ransomware, Trojan and other malware. Apart from that, user may fortuitously install it through freeware program from third party sites. Thus, users do not pay much attention while installing such freeware, may get this adware installed without their knowledge. So, users are advised that users should opt for custom/advanced installation procedure. In some cases, users download or install PUAs by clicking on deceptive advertisements that are capable of running malicious scripts.

How to avoid installation of PUAs?

Here are the tips from experts that help you in reducing the chances of PUAs intrusion at great extent:

• Do not skip any installation step
• Choose custom/advance option of download/install process
• Check pre-ticked boxes, watch out misleading ads, misplaced buttons, fine-print texts and other similar
• Manually deselect all additionally attached apps
• Download programs and files from official websites and via direct links only
• Avoid using third party downloader’s, unofficial pages, free file hosting sites, peer to peer networks etc.

Remove ApolloResults

Downloading some reputable antivirus tool and using it to remove ApolloResults is the easiest way to do the removal process since the software will do all the things for you. However, if you want to perform the elimination process by hand, then go through manual removal instructions provided below.

Short summary

Name: ApolloResults

Type: Adware, PUA, Browser hijacker, Mac

Risk level: Low

Occurrence: fake Flash Player installers, misleading ads and popup, torrent file downloads, cracked software and other social engineering techniques.

Possible symptoms: installation of adware programs, Mac speed becomes slower than as usual, change of browser settings and displaying intrusive advertisements.

Removal: Both manual as well as automatic malware removal instructions have been discussed below under this post.

Remove Files and Folders Related to ApolloResults

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove ApolloResults from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete ApolloResults add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to ApolloResults. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.