How to remove BasicDesktop adware from Mac PC

Step by step process to delete BasicDesktop adware

BasicDesktop adware is dubious Mac infection that has been categorized as adware. Users visit it unintentionally as they are redirected by some potentially unwanted programs or intrusive advertisements displaying on malicious sites. Besides causing redirects, the PUPs deliver intrusive ads, modifying browser settings and promoting fake search engine. However, PUPs come into your computer bundled with other software download without having user’s permission. Simply said, this app is mainly designed to feed users with malicious content as well as cause redirection issues. Besides this, this app have both adware and browser hijacker functionality.

Further, it is potentially unwanted program that slip into your device and infect your main browser. After infiltration, this unwanted applications change the settings of installed browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google chrome, Opera, Safari and other browsers. Due to this, users visit this malicious domain all the time whenever they open browsing tabs/Windows. Additionally, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements in the form of pop-ups, banners, deals, discounts and other similar ads. In addition, they limit the browsing speed as well as visibility of pages visited. Data tracking is yet another malicious feature of any apps is considered as an adware.

They can track user’s online activity and collect the data such as search queries, viewed pages, URLs visited, geo-location and even stored personal data on browsers. Such collected data could be shared with potent cyber criminals who misuse those data in order to make illicit revenue. In one way or another, presence of data tracking software on PC leads to severe privacy issues, browsing safety, financial losses and even leads to identity theft. You can remove BasicDesktop adware and its additional components by running a scan with some reputable antivirus tool to the infected system and resetting the browser settings.

How system gets affected from BasicDesktop adware?

BasicDesktop adware mainly gets spread into your PC without having your permission as well as by using different methods. Some of them are bundles of free third party programs, fake updates, cracked software, spam emails, suspicious websites, harmful links and other social engineering methods. Once installed, it will disable your antivirus and firewall security programs to avoid its detection and removal and stay in your device for long time to perform lots of malicious activities. It can also inject its malign codes to get started automatically on your computer. It can get back on your Mac by using those malign registry keys. Due to all these reasons, you are advised not to use any of the above mentioned methods for downloading and installing software since these are the main sources of adware intrusion.

How to avoid installation of PUAs?

All programs and files should only be downloaded by using official websites and through direct download links as it is safe and secure. Other unreliable sources that are mentioned in above paragraph should be avoided as they are used to offer deceptive or bundled content. So, you are advised not to use. During installation of any program, it is important to read terms, explore all possible options, use custom/advance settings that are available in installation processes.

Further, intrusive adverts look legitimate as they redirect users to various questionable websites. Thus, if you encounter such redirects on your computer as well as browser then you must remove it immediately. Further, if your machine is infected with BasicDesktop adware then we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS that has the ability to eliminate infiltrated adware automatically.

Quick Glance

Name BasicDesktop adware

Type   PUP, Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus

Short Description: A questionable application that hijacks Mac systems and popular browsers like Safari and Chrome installed on them. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge.

Symptoms: Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The unwanted program may start every time you start the affected Mac.

Distribution Method: Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, torrent file downloads, harmful links and many more.

Additional information: This application belongs to Adload malware family.

Damage: slow down computer performance, internet browser tracking, loss of private information, display on annoying ads and redirect to dubious websites.

Removal: Both manual as well as automatic removal guide have been prescribed below under this article.

Remove Files and Folders Related to BasicDesktop adware

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 BasicDesktop adware 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 BasicDesktop adware 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 BasicDesktop adware. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.