Remove EssentialType Adware From Mac

EssentialType: Complete Uninstall Guide

EssentialType triggers unwanted modifications on the browser and can affect users’ time online with its malicious processes as soon as it enters the Mac computers. Due to its stealth intrusion into the Mac systems and its actions inside, it has been categorized as a potentially unwanted program. Similar to PortalAgent Adware and other PUPs, this nasty adware also creates issues within the browser and can also interfere with other processes occurring in the background. And hence, the compromised devices become slower than usual and victims might experience general lag and regular crashes. It is known for delivering various intrusive advertisements to screen to control the traffic online.

EssentialType Ads Come With Redirecting Ability:

Ads by EssentialType are in multiple formats such as deals, banners, coupons, discounts, pop-ups, offers etc. These adverts are created for revenue generation that is the main goal of PUP sponsors and advertisers. They work on pay-per-click scheme and when clicked, earn profits for the developers. However, while clicking on these ads, you are redirected to affiliated sites some of which might be malware-laden, hosting trojan, spyware, ransomware and other dangerous cyber threats. At some pages, visitors are presented with fake security alerts, error messages, update notifications etc. and then tricked into installing shady application.

EssentialType assigns its own nasty URL as the new search engine, home page and new tab addresses and acquires complete control over the entire browser. It forces users to surf through a deceptive search tool that is not even able to provide results by itself. And so, it often redirects to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine ones. Nonetheless, the search results you get are still not organic as they often contain sponsored links and commercial contents that are placed at the top. EssentialType slows down the overall performance of the device as it consumes enormous amount of memory resources and increases the usage of CPU.

Just like any other unwanted programs, EssentialType can also track its victims’ activities whatever they do online. It collects browsing-related information such as URLs of accessed sites, entered search queries, IP addresses, geolocation and can also steal your personal data like credit card and banking details. The gathered information is later on sold to third-parties for monetary purposes and can be utilized for various deceptive purposes such as producing target advertisements, making deceptive transactions or purchases and so on. And thus, an instant EssentialType removal is highly required from the Mac system.

Ways To Spread EssentialType:

The malicious applications that affect your time during the online sessions most likely sneak into your by yours truly. It occurs behind your back because the software bundling method is employed. There are multiple sites and services that allow adware, browser hijackers and other PUPs to spread with other intruders and trigger issues regarding the advertising content and redirects. When you download a freeware app via third-party site like cnet.com, soft32.com, softonic.com, download.com etc. and then install it using the pre-set options, you risk getting your device infected with these unwanted programs.

However, you can control some of such instances by choosing an official program provider, a reliable download site, and avoiding torrents, pirating, or p2p platforms. Also, you need to select the Advanced or Custom installation options every time you download or install anything on the machine. This way, you can see what applications get installed automatically and deselect any unwanted pieces. In case your PC is already infected with this adware, you must remove EssentialType from the Mac as early as possible.

Remove Files and Folders Related to EssentialType

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