Remove MapperIndex Adware From Mac

MapperIndex: Complete Delete Process

MapperIndex is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) designed to hijack Mac web browsers and promote various products and services on their screen. In order to carry out its operations, it typically changes the original homepage and new tab preferences and applies a new search engine so that it can reroute users’ searches to pre-defined websites. Apps such as this are usually regarded as potentially unwanted due to its unfair way of distribution and an excessive amount of pop-up ads, banners and redirect links they can display in a single browsing session.

MapperIndex: Depth View

People who end up with MapperIndex adware on their Chrome, Safari or Firefox browser often notice that their default search engine and preferred homepage have been replaced with some completely unfamiliar one, and that, without seeking for their consent. Despite these suspicious activities, intruders like this typically are seen as legitimate applications and are not detected by anti-virus suites as a threat to the Mac OS. However, there are so many users who desperately want to terminate them from their Mac browser and uninstall their enforced modifications once and for all.

MapperIndex for Mac is a potentially undesirable application that doesn’t need users’ permission to alter the settings of the main web browser. Once installed in the device, it will automatically integrate with the default web browser and change its homepage or search engine. This is the main reason why programs such as this and Yahoo Search are seen as unwanted. If not removed on time, such apps will install browser components which redirect you to different web pages, most of which are generally filled with annoying box messages, pop-ups, banners, and other similar aggressive promotional means.

MapperIndex is a non-hazardous application the sole purpose of which is to promote different websites, products, services, and other brands on Mac browsers. To accomplish its job properly, it utilizes some rather aggressive online methods, such as browser modifications, aggressive ad generation, and automatic page reroutes. In this way, the app makes sure that the victims land on affiliated ads and links while web surfing. At the same time, being automatically rerouted to certain websites may cause security risks. Nowadays, there are numerous webpages that spread malware such as destructive Ransomware and the nasty Trojan horses and landing on one of them is rightly possible if you let such PUPs randomly expose you to unusual web links. So, you must perform a quick MapperIndex removal from Mac.

Distribution Of MapperIndex:

Most potentially unwanted programs are installed unknowingly when installing apps downloaded from third-party software vendors. They use a method called software bundling to spread adware and other intrusive cyber threats and generate revenue by doing that. By opting for Quick or Recommended installation setting, users often end up installing all the bundled components alongside. That’s how PUPs get into the machine.

To avoid such happenings, download all apps from genuine providers or directly from the developers. Always select the Advanced/Custom installation modes instead of the Quick/Recommended and opt out all additional programs from installation. Obtain a trustworthy security suite that will recognize PUPs and avert you from installing them. If your Mac is already contaminated with this adware, you must remove MapperIndex from the device without wasting any time.

Remove Files and Folders Related to MapperIndex

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