How to remove UltraWebFormat from Mac

Simple guide to delete UltraWebFormat

UltraWebFormat is classified as adware and a browser hijacker- it generates intrusive ads and also promotes an address of a fake search engine by modifying web browsers’ settings. Also, like other adware and browser hijackers, it can track and collect users’ browsing based data. It is noteworthy that apps of this kind often get downloaded unknowingly as they are distributed using various deceptive means. This is the reason; this app and other apps of this kind are deemed to be potentially unwanted applications.

The main aim of adware-type app is to display intrusive ads. UltraWebFormat delivers coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys and other intrusive advertisements. These ads advertise questionable pages. They can sometimes be designed to run certain scripts to cause unwanted downloads/ installations. Furthermore, the app promotes address of a fake search engine. It hijacks installed web browsers and modifies homepage, new tab page and search engine option to force the users to use the fake web URL.

In often cases, browsers  goes to certain address after entering a search query into the URL bar or by opening a new browsing tab/ Window. It is important to mention that hijacker viruses prevent users from removing the address of fake search engine from the settings of the affected web browsers- it can be done by the apps are no longer installed on the browsers of the infected systems. It is likely that UltraWebFormat collects browsing based data as well. These data include:

• IP addresses,
• Search queries,
• Viewed pages,
• URLs visited,
• ISP,
• Geo-locations and etc.

So, it is strongly not recommended to have apps of this kind installed. Their developers may monetize them by selling these data to third parties/ potent crooks or by using it in marketing purposes. When the installed adware is capable of accessing the sensitive information, these data could be used in stealing identities, personal accounts, making unauthorized transactions, purchases or for other purposes. To stop all such issues from happening in future, immediately remove UltraWebFormat from the system.

How did UltraWebFormat infiltrate my system?

As mentioned in the introduction, the installer for UltraWebFormat is designed to appear as installer for Adobe Flash Player. The people behind this unwanted app distribute the app using a fake, deceptive installer. Another popular way to distribute the unwanted app is to bundle it with other program. In such cases, PAUs are included in the downloaders/ installers of regular software as additional offers. Usually, these apps can be declined via Custom/Advanced and similar setups. Users agree to their download/ install when they do not check those settings. Once clicked on, intrusive ads can cause unwanted downloads by running certain scripts.

How to prevent PUAs installation?

Downloaders and installers with Custom/Advanced and similar settings should be checked for the offers to download/ install unwanted apps. The unwanted apps should be opted out before finalizing the installation process. Files and programs should always be downloaded from official websites and direct links. Other sources like Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial pages, free file hosting websites, third-party downloaders, etc – are often used to distribute malicious apps. Ads on questionable pages should never be clicked as well –it is common that these ads are designed to promote untrustworthy pages. Sometimes, they may be designed to cause unwanted downloads/ installations.

Remove Files and Folders Related to UltraWebFormat

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