Remove InitialProgram ads from Mac computer

Simple steps to delete InitialProgram ads

InitialProgram ads arrive as a form of web extension on the browsers. However, it is defined as potentially unwanted programs which users install accidentally from freeware bundles containing additional programs. Once installed successfully, this application delivers intrusive adverts campaigns (i.e., various ads) and makes changes to browser settings. It will attempt to take control over the browser like Safari, chrome or Mozilla. Due to questionable methods used for this app distribution, it is categorized as PUAs as well.

InitialProgram ads is also responsible for changing the default search engine to the addresses of illegitimate web searchers and always redirect your search results to infected websites when users open new browser tab/window or type search query into the URL bar. Such fake search engines are unable to provide search results so they redirect users to Google, Yahoo and other legitimate ones. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.

Most PUAs including browser hijacker and adware have data tracking abilities.   Moreover, they can record browsing activity and collect information that includes IP addresses, geo-location, viewed pages, search queries and other similar information. PUAs developers share all gathered data with third parties who misuse to generate revenue. Thus, presence of unwanted apps on PC leads to serious privacy issues, browsing safety and even identity theft. So, remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions immediately.

Distribution of InitialProgram ads:

Potentially unwanted programs are generally rogue programs that are designed to install silently on the computer. Users may unknowingly download it as a bundle along with other freeware downloads from third party sources that include free file hosting sites, peer to peer networks (eMule, torrent clients), third party downloader’s/installers and others similar. This distribution technique is termed as bundling. Intrusive ads proliferate PUAs as well. These applications may also have official promotional sites from which they can be downloaded. What you can do to avoid secret intrusion of any unwanted apps is to opt for custom/advanced option of installation mode that provides you the list of all attached apps. By this, you can deselect any unwanted ones.

How to prevent intruding unwanted apps?

• First of all, research about software carefully before download/installation.
• Application downloads should be done from official and verified sources.
• Other channels that are mentioned above in the paragraph should not be used as such tools offer harmful/bundled content.
• When installing, use custom/advanced settings and opt out from supplementary apps.
• Adverts appear on dubious pages should not be trusted as those ads redirect to unreliable WebPages.

Threat specification

Name: InitialProgram ads

Threat type: Adware, Browser hijacker, Mac virus, Mac malware

Short Description: A questionable application that appears in the Applications list on your Mac. It performs browser modifications without your knowledge. The program may hijack Safari, Chrome and other browsers installed on your Mac.

Symptoms: Your Mac becomes slower than normal, installation of adware programs, Change of browser settings and displaying intrusive advertisements.

Distribution methods: deceptive pop-ups, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, visiting suspicious websites, harmful links, pirated software, torrent file downloads.

Damage: Internet browser tracking (potentially privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to doubtful websites, loss of confidential information.

Removal: Use reliable antivirus removal tool to eliminate possible malware infections soon from the computer.

Remove Files and Folders Related to InitialProgram ads

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