How to remove KeyParameter (Mac)

What is KeyParameter

KeyParameter is an adware-type application identified by security researchers during routine inspections of file submissions. This software is part of the AdLoad malware family, designed to generate revenue for its developers through aggressive advertising techniques. Users affected by KeyParameter may experience unwanted pop-up ads, browser redirects, and a significant slowdown in system performance. While it may not exhibit typical browser-hijacking behaviors, its presence poses serious risks to user privacy and security. KeyParameter can track sensitive information, including browsing habits and personal data, which may be sold to third parties. To mitigate the risks associated with this adware, users are advised to remove it promptly and utilize trusted antivirus software for comprehensive system scans.

How KeyParameter infects Mac computers

KeyParameter typically infects Macs through deceptive distribution methods that exploit user behavior and vulnerabilities in software installations. It often comes bundled with legitimate software downloaded from dubious websites or through torrent file-sharing networks, where users may inadvertently install it by opting for “Quick” or “Easy” installation settings. Additionally, KeyParameter can be promoted through intrusive advertisements on legitimate-looking websites, leading users to click on malicious links that trigger the download of the adware. Once installed, it can compromise user privacy by tracking browsing habits and delivering unwanted advertisements, further solidifying its presence within the system. Users may remain unaware of the infection until they experience noticeable performance issues or frequent redirections to suspicious websites. To avoid such infections, it is crucial to download software only from reputable sources and carefully review installation options to prevent the inclusion of unwanted applications.

1. Download KeyParameter Removal Tool
2. Remove KeyParameter from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall KeyParameter from Applications
4. Remove KeyParameter from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove KeyParameter files and folders
7. Block KeyParameter ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like KeyParameter

Remove KeyParameter manually for free

Note: KeyParameter sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “KeyParameter” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: KeyParameter won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose KeyParameter in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full KeyParameter removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of KeyParameter installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove KeyParameter from Applications

Remove KeyParameter from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. KeyParameter might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall KeyParameter or KeyParameter Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag KeyParameter from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall KeyParameter

If you can’t uninstall KeyParameter using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of KeyParameter. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag KeyParameter from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with KeyParameter.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove KeyParameter add-on from your browsers

Removing KeyParameter from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the KeyParameter extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find KeyParameter extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find KeyParameter extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose KeyParameter extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish KeyParameter removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of KeyParameter


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.KeyParameter.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.KeyParameter.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.KeyParameter.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.KeyParameter.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote KeyParameter

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting KeyParameter in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like KeyParameter

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac