rkmom1
Level 1 (5 points)

Q: kuklorest

I have managed to download kuklorest - how in the heck do I get rid of it?

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Dec 11, 2015 9:17 PM

by Kurt Lang,Solvedanswer
Kurt Lang Kurt Lang
Level 8 (37,659 points)
A:

You're welcome.

 

Yes, it's completely understandable to be wary about being pointed to another download to fix something caused by a downloaded item. The app was written by and is maintained by Thomas Reed, a long time user here. It was originally his personal project, AdwareMedic, but his work caught the attention of MalwareBytes and they hired him. It is one of the few such anti malware/adware apps routinely referred to by Apple's own telephone support line and Apple Store staff members.

 

Like any such app, it's only as good as a person or company stays on top of such issues and keep the app updated to recognize new problems. I mention that to note that learning what threats are out there and how to avoid them should be on the top of any computer user's to-do list. Knowing that, you can usually avoid being stung in the first place. I've been using computers for over 35 years, and have yet to be infected with anything - PC or Mac.

 

The biggest headache for Mac users currently is adware bundled into installers with what you really wanted to download and try. File aggregate sites such as C|NET's www.downloads.com and www.softonic.com are the worst. Avoid them like the plagues they are. MacUpdate was the last such site you could go to and avoid this kind of thing, but they're guilty of it now, too.

 

If you do use these sites to search for titles, find out which ones you'd like to try, but do not download it from them. Locate the site of the actual company who makes the software and get it directly from them. Even then, a few such sites themselves bundle adware with their downloads, but you're much less likely to get it that way.

Posted on Dec 12, 2015 3:42 PM

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rkmom1

Q: kuklorest

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kurt Lang,Helpful

    Kurt Lang Kurt Lang Dec 12, 2015 9:50 AM in response to rkmom1
    Level 8 (37,659 points)
    Dec 12, 2015 9:50 AM in response to rkmom1

    Kuklorest is yet another variant of Genieo adware. One of the most difficult to remove.

     

    You can either follow Apple's manual instructions for removing adware, or use the free automated tool, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac.

     

    It should be noted that Apple's manual removal instructions are very much outdated. If you would prefer to manually remove the adware on your system, you can find much more up-to-date instructions on The Safe Mac's adware removal page.

  • by rkmom1,

    rkmom1 rkmom1 Dec 12, 2015 9:55 AM in response to Kurt Lang
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Dec 12, 2015 9:55 AM in response to Kurt Lang

    I was leery to download anything else - but do not know enough of what I am doing to actually manually scan my computer myself - worked fast, and I was surprised to see a number of listings on my computer that I hadn't even seen. This was just done - so I will reply again in a few days to make sure this has worked -

     

    I was unable to follow the Apple (outdated) instructions - and if this really works - it will be so much easier!

     

    Thank you so very much -

  • by Kurt Lang,Solvedanswer

    Kurt Lang Kurt Lang Dec 12, 2015 3:42 PM in response to rkmom1
    Level 8 (37,659 points)
    Dec 12, 2015 3:42 PM in response to rkmom1

    You're welcome.

     

    Yes, it's completely understandable to be wary about being pointed to another download to fix something caused by a downloaded item. The app was written by and is maintained by Thomas Reed, a long time user here. It was originally his personal project, AdwareMedic, but his work caught the attention of MalwareBytes and they hired him. It is one of the few such anti malware/adware apps routinely referred to by Apple's own telephone support line and Apple Store staff members.

     

    Like any such app, it's only as good as a person or company stays on top of such issues and keep the app updated to recognize new problems. I mention that to note that learning what threats are out there and how to avoid them should be on the top of any computer user's to-do list. Knowing that, you can usually avoid being stung in the first place. I've been using computers for over 35 years, and have yet to be infected with anything - PC or Mac.

     

    The biggest headache for Mac users currently is adware bundled into installers with what you really wanted to download and try. File aggregate sites such as C|NET's www.downloads.com and www.softonic.com are the worst. Avoid them like the plagues they are. MacUpdate was the last such site you could go to and avoid this kind of thing, but they're guilty of it now, too.

     

    If you do use these sites to search for titles, find out which ones you'd like to try, but do not download it from them. Locate the site of the actual company who makes the software and get it directly from them. Even then, a few such sites themselves bundle adware with their downloads, but you're much less likely to get it that way.