How to remove ModuleService adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ModuleService?
ModuleService is an adware-type app with browser hijacker traits. Furthermore, software products within these categories are also considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
ModuleService adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, and other intrusive ads) on any visited website and/or different interfaces. In addition to diminishing the browsing experience, the delivered advertisements endanger device/user safety. When clicked on, intrusive adverts redirect to untrustworthy/malicious sites, and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Fake search engines typically cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers.
What is more, most PUAs have data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc. The gathered data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ModuleService |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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
UpgradeActivity, AccessibilityMethod, AccessibleValue, ExpandedActivity, and NetFunctionSearch are some examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear legitimate and offer fake functionalities, and this is typical of nearly all PUAs.
Functionality and user safety are irrelevant, as the only goal of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs are designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private data.
How did ModuleService install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed by using the "bundling" method - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts are also used to proliferate PUAs. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. PUAs may have "official" download pages as well.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software and download only from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with ModuleService, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ModuleService adware's installation is over:
ModuleService adware's 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 ModuleService?
- STEP 1. Remove ModuleService related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ModuleService ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ModuleService adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ModuleService ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ModuleService adware using Combo Cleaner:
ModuleService adware removal:
Remove ModuleService-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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