How to remove AdjustableValue adware from operating systems

What is AdjustableValue adware?

AdjustableValue is an adware-type application categorized as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and making alterations to browser settings to promote fake search engines. AdjustableValue promotes Safe Finder via akamaihd.net in this manner.

Due to the dubious techniques used to proliferate this adware, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Most PUAs have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to monitor users' browsing activity, and it is very likely that AdjustableValue also has this functionality.

Adware delivers pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons and other intrusive ads. These overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. When clicked, intrusive ads redirect to untrusted/rogue, sale-oriented, deceptive/scam, compromised and malicious websites.

Some can even be triggered (when clicked) to execute scripts to stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers make modifications to browsers settings - they reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of bogus search engines.

Therefore, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. AdjustableValue promotes Safe Finder through akamaihd.net. Fake web searchers are seldom able to generate search results, and so they redirect to legitimate search engines (e.g. Google, Yahoo, Bing and others). 

Browser hijackers can reset any changes users attempt to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser settings entirely. Furthermore, most of these unwanted apps have data tracking capabilities.

They can record browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The collected data is typically shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Therefore, the presence of this software on devices can lead to system infection, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user safety, you are strongly advised to eliminate all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AdjustableValue
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload malware family.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

PlusAbout, FrequencySignal and SoftwareHandler are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem normal and useful, and users are enticed into downloading/installing this software with offers of various functionality, however, the features promised are rarely operational.

This is typical of all PUAs. These unwanted applications have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and collect personally identifiable information.

How did AdjustableValue install on my computer?

Some PUAs have "official" download web pages, however, they are more commonly downloaded/installed with other software. "Bundling" is the term used to define this deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions.

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps, using pre-set options, etc.), many users risk inadvertent installation of dubious and/or bundled content. Intrusive ads proliferate such applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Untrusted channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders can offer bundled content.

Download and installation processes must be approached with caution. Read the terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and decline download/installation of supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.

Intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on). If you encounter ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.

If your computer is already infected with AdjustableValue, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once AdjustableValue installation is complete:

AdjustableValue redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

AdjustableValue adware installation folder:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is AdjustableValue?
• STEP 1. Remove AdjustableValue related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove AdjustableValue ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove AdjustableValue adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove AdjustableValue ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

AdjustableValue adware removal:

Remove AdjustableValue-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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