How to uninstall CleanParameter adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is CleanParameter?
CleanParameter is an adware-type app with browser hijacker characteristics. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and making modifications to browser settings to promote fake search engines.
In addition, most adware-type apps and browser hijackers collect browsing-related information, and it is likely that CleanParameter does so as well.
Due to the dubious methods employed in CleanParameter distribution, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). One of the techniques used for this app is proliferation via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Bogus updaters/installers are used to spread unwanted software and also malware (e.g. Trojans, ransomware, etc.).
CleanParameter adware overview
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, full-page and other intrusive ads, typically on any visited website. Therefore, the advertisements do not originate from the sites, they are delivered by adware. Intrusive ads significantly diminish the browsing experience by overlaying page content and reducing browsing speed.
Furthermore, the ads pose a threat to device and user safety. When clicked, they can redirect to various dubious/malicious websites and some can even stealthily download/install software (e.g. PUAs).
Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of fake search engines. With this software installed, each new browser tab/window opened and search made via the URL bar redirects to the promoted address.
Rogue search engines are rarely able to provide search results, and so they tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Bing, Yahoo and other genuine search engines.
Browser hijackers can undo any changes user try to make to their browsers and limit/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
As mentioned, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking capabilities. They can monitor browsing activity (visited URLs, viewed web pages, searched queries, etc.) and collect vulnerable information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data usually contains personally identifiable information. Furthermore, PUA developers monetize this information by sharing it with and/or selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft.
You are strongly advised to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by CleanParameter |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.AdLoad.ACT), Fortinet (OSX/Adload.AE!tr.dldr), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), 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. |
Adware examples
TrustedAnalog, HerculesLookup and UpgradeCommand are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem legitimate and harmless, and users are often enticed into download/installation with offers of various "useful" functionality, however, the functions promised are seldom operational. This applies to most PUAs.
The only purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. Regular users receive no real value and can experience serious problems. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers and collect private data.
How did CleanParameter 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 CleanParameter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when CleanParameter adware is installed:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"CleanParameterd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
CleanParameter adware distributed via fake Flash Player updater/installer (installation steps):
Files related to CleanParameter adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.CleanParameter.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.CleanParameter.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.CleanParameter.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.CleanParameter.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like TrustedAnalog alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of dubious websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you must restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 CleanParameter?
- STEP 1. Remove CleanParameter related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CleanParameter ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CleanParameter adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CleanParameter ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CleanParameter adware using Combo Cleaner:
CleanParameter adware removal:
Remove CleanParameter-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware displays advertisements that may endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., financial losses, system infections, etc.). The presence of this software on a device may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit through the promotion of websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the revenue is generated via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CleanParameter adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, thorough removal is key.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion