How to eliminate EffectiveVision adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is EffectiveVision?
EffectiveVision is an adware-type app with browser hijacker functionalities. Furthermore, software products of this type are also categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) due to the dubious techniques used to distribute them.
EffectiveVision adware overview
Adware is designed to display various intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, etc.) on visited sites and/or other interfaces. In addition to diminishing the browsing experience, the adverts also endanger device/user safety.
These advertisements promote unreliable and malicious websites. What is more, some intrusive ads can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) stealthily - upon being clicked.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and homepage URLs to fake search engine addresses. Hence, web searches done via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened - redirect to the address.
Fraudulent search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to legitimate ones (Bing, Yahoo, Google, etc.). This software can prevent users from restoring their browsers by resetting their changes or preventing access to the settings outright.
Most adware and browser hijackers can track data. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information is monetized by being sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of applications like EffectiveVision on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by EffectiveVision |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
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 examples
EdgePremium, GlobalVersion, PureAdvantage, and MainOperation are some examples of adware. This software looks harmless and offers "useful" functions, which rarely work. This is true of nearly all PUAs. The only purpose of unwanted apps is to generate profit at user expense; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant.
How did EffectiveVision install on my computer?
PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other programs. This marketing tactic of packing ordinary software with unwanted/malicious additions - is named "bundling". Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. PUAs may also have "official" download webpages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to always research software and download from official/verified channels. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - commonly offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive ads look legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If such adverts/redirects are encountered, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection. If your computer is already infected with EffectiveVision, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EffectiveVision adware's installation is over:
EffectiveVision 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 EffectiveVision?
- STEP 1. Remove EffectiveVision related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EffectiveVision ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EffectiveVision adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EffectiveVision ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EffectiveVision adware using Combo Cleaner:
EffectiveVision adware removal:
Remove EffectiveVision-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data tracking functionalities, which make this software a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements can be dubious/malicious and cause other severe issues.
What does adware do?
Adware (advertising-supported software) is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of various adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generated revenue mostly through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, services, products, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, service subscriptions, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EffectiveVision adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. On the other hand, manual removal might be ineffective as various leftovers can remain within the system. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware immediately and thoroughly.
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