What Is KernelReproduce on Mac?
KernelReproduce is the name of an application, that anti-malware tools detect as potentially unwanted software. Therefore, the app could act as an adware and browser hijacker. This program may show a lot of different advertisements on your Mac for profit. The problem with those ads may be the reduced system speed as well as the risky webpages they may open. Online scams or even malicious pages are sometimes pushed by ad-supported applications. This is the main reason why this software is an indirect threat that should be deleted from your Mac.
Read this article in order to learn more about KernelReproduce adware and how you can remove it from your Mac effectively.
KernelReproduce Mac – Details
| Name | KernelReproduce |
| Type | Adware / PUP / Redirect for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer in order to force browsers to load redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your device begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your machine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KernelReproduce. |
KernelReproduce Virus – How Did I Get Infected
The AdLoad family of PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) is the one that has given birth to KernelReproduce adware. Apps like KernelReproduce adware are also SmartTransaction, FinderTab and SchedulerSkyLoad.
That software may be spreading in the same methods used for the distribution of its predecessors. One of them is known as software bundling. It is shown in the picture below:
Another way, via which KernelReproduce could end up on your Mac is by you allegedly downloading a fake Adobe Flash Player update that you may have received on your web browser, looking like the following example shows:
These are fake webpages that are designed to trick you into downloading this application.
KernelReproduce – What Does It Do?
The activation of KernelReproduce adware on your Mac may lead to the realization of multiple different activities, such as modifying the options of your web browsers (the new tab, the homepage and other settings) and placing data tracking tools. The main purpose of this application is to display advertisements of all kinds for profit, like the following:
- Changed search results to show ads instead of relevant sites.
- Highlighted text on the pages you visit.
- Redirects.
- Pop-ups with video and/or sound.
- Interruptive banner ads.
- Intrusive push notifications.
When cookies and other tracking technologies used by vicious webpages are set on your system and browsers, you become victim of unsolicited data collection. KernelReproduce may use tracking objects to obtain different information about your browsing behavior:
- What you have visited.
- Your mouse movements.
- Your mouse clicks.
- IP and Mac addresses.
- Your bookmarked websites.
- The browsing history from your browser.
- What searches you have made.
Is KernelReproduce a Virus?
No, KernelReproduce is not a virus. This program is supported by the ads it shows. But these ads could slow down your Mac significantly. And they hide risk as well. Some of the ads could lead to very dangerous web pages. Such an issue makes KernelReproduce a problematic app.
Some of the risky websites, this software may redirect you to via its advertisements could be the following:
- Rogue software sites.
- Web pages that contain scams.
- Redirects to dangerous sites via multiple pay-per-click redirects.
- Survey sites that are fraud.
- Phishing pages.
- URLs, containing a virus infection file or script.
- Tech support fraud pages.
This is the main reason why this program is classified as an indirect risk to your computer and should be removed from it.
How to Remove KernelReproduce from Mac?
KernelReproduce can be effectively uninstalled if you follow the removal restrictions that have been posted underneath this article. The steps have been designed with the main idea to assist you in cleaning up your browser and macOS from this software. For the most effective removal, it is strongly recommended that you download and run a scan of your Mac using an advanced anti-malware app for macOS. Such software is specifically designed to perform a thorough scan of your computer system and detect and delete any malware from it.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove KernelReproduce files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as KernelReproduce, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall KernelReproduce and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to KernelReproduce:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to KernelReproduce. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to KernelReproduce. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove KernelReproduce via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as KernelReproduce. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove KernelReproduce – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
KernelReproduce-FAQ
What is KernelReproduce on your Mac?
The KernelReproduce threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like KernelReproduce?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from KernelReproduce?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the KernelReproduce Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KernelReproduce how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on KernelReproduce?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the KernelReproduce threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.