How to uninstall IndexerInput adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is IndexerInput?
IndexerInput is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. Following successful infiltration, this app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and makes modifications to browser settings to promote fake search engines. On Safari browsers, IndexerInput promotes 6v5f3l.com, and on Google Chrome, search.validplatform.com.
Additionally, most adware-types and browser hijackers monitor users' browsing activity. Due to the dubious techniques used to proliferate IndexerInput, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). One of these methods is proliferation via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
Note that bogus software updaters/installers are often employed to spread not only PUAs but also Trojans, ransomware and other malware.
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other intrusive ads, typically on any visited website. The delivered advertisements reduce browsing speed and overlay web page content. Furthermore, once clicked, intrusive ads redirect to various untrusted/malicious sites and some can even stealthily download/install software (e.g. PUAs).
Browser hijackers operate by assigning the addresses of fake search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, with this software installed, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar redirect to the promoted address.
In the case of IndexerInput, on Safari browsers it redirects to 6v5f3l.com, and on Google Chrome, to search.validplatform.com. Rogue search engines are rarely able to provide search results, and so they tend to redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo and other genuine sites.
Browser hijackers can also restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. As mentioned, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking capabilities.
They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This sensitive data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, it is crucial to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected immediately upon detection.
Name | Ads by IndexerInput |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Elastic (Malicious (moderate Confidence)), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal). |
Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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. |
OperativeSync, LaunchSystem and UpdateAdmin are some examples of other ads within the adware classification. They may seem legitimate and offer a wide variety of "useful" functionality, however, the advertised features are seldom operational. In fact, this is true of most PUAs.
The only purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs deliver intrusive ad campaigns, modify browsers, cause redirects and collect vulnerable data.
How did IndexerInput install on my computer?
Browser hijackers, adware-type apps, and other types of PUAs are commonly distributed by integrating them into the download and/or installation set-ups of other programs, so that a proportion of users inadvertently download and install them together with their chosen software. This distribution method is known as "bundling".
Offers to download and install additionally-included apps usually appear in "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of the set-ups (where they can usually be declined). Many users fail to check and change these settings, thereby granting permission for PUAs to be downloaded and installed by default.
In addition, unwanted downloads and installations are sometimes caused by clicking deceptive advertisements capable of executing certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).
If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. If your computer is already infected with IndexerInput, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
IndexerInput adware distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player updater/installer:
Pop-up window displayed once IndexerInput adware's installation is complete:
Appearance of IndexerInput adware promoting 6v5f3l.com (GIF):
Appearance of IndexerInput adware promoting search.validplatform.com (GIF):
IndexerInput adware installed on the Safari browser:
IndexerInput 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 IndexerInput?
- STEP 1. Remove IndexerInput related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove IndexerInput ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove IndexerInput adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove IndexerInput ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove IndexerInput adware using Combo Cleaner:
IndexerInput adware removal:
Remove IndexerInput-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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