Removing PlatformCache adware and the advertisements it delivers

What is PlatformCache?

PlatformCache is a rogue application. After inspecting this piece of software, we have determined that it is a piece of advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.

PlatformCache adware overview

After successful installation onto our test system, PlatformCache displayed various advertisements. However, it is pertinent to mention that adware may need certain specifications to be met - in order to run intrusive ad campaigns. For example, the device/browser specs need to be compatible, users have to visit particular websites, or similar - for this software to deliver adverts.

However, even if PlatformCache (or other adware) does not run intrusive advertisement campaigns - that does not mean that its presence on a system is harmless.

Adware-delivered adverts promote a wide variety of untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can infiltrate software into the system - upon being clicked. Any legitimate content encountered via these advertisements is rarely endorsed in this manner by the actual developers. This advertising method is primarily used by scammers abusing affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

PlatformCache may have browser hijacker abilities, as they are typical for AdLoad adware (although no such behavior was observed during testing).

Advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities. Targeted information includes - browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like PlatformCache on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by PlatformCache
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

ViewsAdjustable, SharedAllocate, AdjustableControl, and DigitalProgram are some examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software looks legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did PlatformCache install on my computer?

The PlatformCache sample that we analyzed was installed by a fake Adobe Flash Player updater, which we downloaded from a scam website.

In addition to deceptive pages, adware can also have "official" promotional/download sites. Most users enter such webpages through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive advertisements, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Software bundling - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements - is employed to spread adware as well. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Furthermore, when clicked, some intrusive ads can download/install advertising-supported software without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and only downloading from official/verified channels. Another recommendation is approaching installation processes with care, e.g., reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing, as illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear genuine. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

If you experience such ads/redirects, inspect the device and remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with PlatformCache, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once PlatformCache adware's installation is over:

PlatformCache 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 PlatformCache?
• STEP 1. Remove PlatformCache related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove PlatformCache ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove PlatformCache adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove PlatformCache ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove PlatformCache adware using Combo Cleaner:

PlatformCache adware removal:

Remove PlatformCache-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. This software typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. What is more, adware-displayed advertisements promote untrustworthy/malicious content that can cause severe problems.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software (adware) operates by delivering intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, it displays ads on visited sites and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates most of the profit via affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove PlatformCache adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating installed adware-type apps. On the other hand, manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) can stay in the system. What is more, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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