How to remove MegaUnit adware and the advertisements it delivers?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is MegaUnit?
MegaUnit is an adware-type app with browser hijacker traits. Furthermore, due to the dubious methods used to distribute software products within these categories, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). MegaUnit has been noted being proliferated via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
MegaUnit adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) on any visited webpage and/or different interfaces. The displayed adverts diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety.
Intrusive advertisements promote various sale-oriented, untrustworthy, rogue, deceptive, and even malicious websites. Furthermore, some of these ads can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. With such a piece of software installed: new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted search engine.
Illegitimate web searchers usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine search engines. What is more, browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from restoring their browsers.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Targeted information includes browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MegaUnit |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.system) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (.service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (rogue installer) | Avast (MacOS:Bundlore-DY [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Bundlore.EJL), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero.ay), 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
OptimalSource, AnalyzerWindow, and PortalFlow are a couple examples of adware. Like most PUAs, this software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features, which are typically nonfunctional. Instead of delivering on any promises, unwanted applications can run intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect sensitive data.
How did MegaUnit install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed using the "bundling" technique - packing regular software with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Some PUAs may also have "official" promotional/download sites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software and only download it from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, explore possible options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate, yet they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
Should users encounter such ads and/or redirects, they must check their devices and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected. If your computer is already infected with MegaUnit, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when MegaUnit adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"MegaUnitd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting MegaUnit adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the MegaUnit adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.MegaUnit.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.MegaUnit.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.MegaUnit.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.MegaUnit.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like MegaUnit 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 MegaUnit?
- STEP 1. Remove MegaUnit related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MegaUnit ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MegaUnit adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MegaUnit ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MegaUnit adware using Combo Cleaner:
MegaUnit adware removal:
Remove MegaUnit-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 diminishes the browsing experience and may affect system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which makes it a threat to user privacy as well. Furthermore, the content (e.g., apps, sites, etc.) promoted through adware-delivered ads can be malicious, hence leading to other serious issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. The goal of this software is to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display various ads).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting content through the adverts it displays. The developers of this software can earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MegaUnit adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. On the other hand, manual removal may not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware itself is manually removed, file leftovers remain. Hidden within the system, such components can continue running and causing issues.
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