Remove PathNetwork Adware From Mac

PathNetwork: Complete Delete Process

PathNetwork is an unwanted software that changes the starting page and search engine of Mac browsers. This potentially unwanted program can be devastating to your Mac because the browser modifications could create security weakness. Users who have this adware on their devices usually notice several changes in the way their main browser appears and behaves. For example, their online searches may get redirected to fake search engine sites which, instead of displaying legitimate results, try to promote multiple unreliable domains. If you are not careful and open such a portal, you may find yourself getting flooded by misleading ads.

PathNetwork Carries Out Several Evil Acts:

When PathNetwork is running inside your Mac, you receive download prompts for more dubious applications, and other similar security hazards. You could also end up on a site that has phishing objects crafted to deceive you into providing sensitive information which can later be utilized for nefarious motives such as identity or banking theft. It is not created to impose damage to the computer or to the data stored on the machine.  However, if you have this PUP on your Mac, it can expose your system to even more destructive parasites likes of Ransomware, Trojans, Spyware, and many more.

The primary objective of PathNetwork and other similar intruders is to profit its developers through generating advertising revenues from its aggressive advertisements. It is very much possible that if you have this adware added to any of your browsers, the rogue software would start bombarding them with commercial contents, banners, links, and pop-ups that make small amounts of money for each click made by you. Obviously, any interaction with such advertising material is expressly discouraged as it can put your device and privacy at hazard.

PathNetwork also operates as a browser hijacker that stealthily infiltrates the browser, alters its homepage, and starts displaying paid ads and page reroutes. It can expose you to harmful content, jeopardizing your PC’s security. One additional aspect that must be taken into account is that these unwanted apps are programmed to extract several types of data from the browsers that they manage to compromise. Typically, the collected information is non-personal and is mainly employed for targeting you with ads tailored to your supposed interests. However, some of the gathered data may be sensitive, and the fact that these details may get sold to third-parties, significantly raises the chances of you being a victim of various online scams. So, a quick PathNetwork removal is highly advised.

Ways To Spread PathNetwork:

In most cases, potentially unwanted programs are distributed via download and installation setups of other free applications. This technique of pre packing regular software with several additional is known as “bundling”. This occurs when users download a freeware from third-party site and then perform rushed installation process (e.g., ignoring terms, choosing Recommended settings, etc.).

It is highly important to be very cautious while downloading or installing freeware programs to avoid unwanted intrusions. Choose only official and legitimate sources only and stay away from untrustworthy channels, Peer-to-peer networks, and other third-party downloaders. Also, always select the Custom or Advanced installation option where you will be able to opt-out the unnecessary supplements from the download list. But at the moment, you must remove PathNetwork from the Mac without wasting any time.

Remove Files and Folders Related to PathNetwork

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