How to remove the FlexibleOrigin adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is FlexibleOrigin?
FlexibleOrigin is a rogue application categorized as adware. Additionally, it has browser hijacker qualities. This app operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and promoting fake search engines through modifications to browser settings. FlexibleOrigin likely had data tracking abilities as well.
Due to the questionable methods used to distribute adware and browser hijackers, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). FlexibleOrigin has been observed being proliferated via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
FlexibleOrigin adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited webpage and/or different interfaces. This software can deliver various pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, and other intrusive ads. They severely diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and slowing down the browsing speed.
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements endanger device and user safety. They endorse a variety of sale-oriented, rogue, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. Some of these adverts can infiltrate software (e.g., PUAs) into devices - when they are clicked on.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' default search engine, homepage, new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, with such a piece of software installed: search queries typed into the URL bar and new browser tab/window opened - redirect to the promoted address. Illegitimate search engines are seldom able to provide search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine ones.
Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers. Alternatively, they can restrict or deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, recovering an affected browser is impossible without removing the software hijacking it.
What is more, most PUAs have data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on systems can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by FlexibleOrigin |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload), Fortinet (Adware/Cimpli!OSX), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
Adware in general
AssistiveMode, SkilledRecord, ExpandedActivity, MainCharacterSearch, and AphroditeLookup are some examples of adware-type apps. They appear harmless and offer various "useful" functionalities. However, the promised functions are usually nonoperational.
Nearly all PUAs lure users into download/installation with fake features. The only goal of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers; it has no real value to users. PUAs operate by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijacking browsers, force-opening dubious/malicious sites, and collecting private information.
How did FlexibleOrigin install on my computer?
PUAs are spread through download/installation setups of other programs. This false marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements are also used to proliferate PUAs. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. Some PUAs have "official" promotional sites from which they can be downloaded and/or purchased.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software before download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so forth).
In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with FlexibleOrigin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when FlexibleOrigin adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up window:
"FlexibleOrigind" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show In Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting FlexibleOrigin adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the FlexibleOrigin adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.FlexibleOrigin.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.FlexibleOrigin.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.FlexibleOrigin.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.FlexibleOrigin.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like FlexibleOrigin alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to 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 FlexibleOrigin?
- STEP 1. Remove FlexibleOrigin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FlexibleOrigin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FlexibleOrigin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FlexibleOrigin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FlexibleOrigin adware using Combo Cleaner:
FlexibleOrigin adware removal:
Remove FlexibleOrigin-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.
Outstanding!
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