Removing MicroLocator adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is MicroLocator?
MicroLocator is an application our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Having analyzed it, we determined that it is an adware-type app belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
MicroLocator adware overview
Adware can require certain specifications to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display ads). For example, unless the device or browser is compatible, users visit particular sites, etc. - the software may not deliver advertisements.
While MicroLocator displayed adverts when installed onto our test machine, it might not on other systems. The presence of advertising-supported software on devices endangers their integrity and user privacy - regardless of whether it displays ads or not.
Adware-delivered advertisements usually endorse untrustworthy/harmful software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - upon being clicked.
While legitimate products may be encountered through these ads, the actual developers are highly unlikely to promote them in this manner. Scammers who abuse affiliate programs use this advertising technique to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, MicroLocator may have browser hijacker qualities since they are typical for AdLoad adware. However, we have not observed such behavior during testing.
This application may also collect user data. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing activity, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information is monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like MicroLocator on devices - can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MicroLocator |
| 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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 examples
AccessibleSection, OriginInput, TaskSample, and CoinCycling are just some examples of the adware we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features, which are rarely functional. Therefore, in addition to being useless, adware also endangers device/user safety.
How did MicroLocator install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using a wide variety of deceptive methods. "Bundling" - packing ordinary programs with various additions - is used to spread advertising-supported software. Download from untrustworthy 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 system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are commonly used in distribution as well. Additionally, intrusive adverts are used to proliferate adware. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also have "official" promotional/download webpages. Most users access such pages via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive advertisements, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with website force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also recommend being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear ordinary and innocuous - however, they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you encounter such ads and/or redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MicroLocator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MicroLocator adware's installation is over:
MicroLocator 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 MicroLocator?
- STEP 1. Remove MicroLocator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MicroLocator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MicroLocator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MicroLocator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MicroLocator adware using Combo Cleaner:
MicroLocator adware removal:
Remove MicroLocator-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 may cause diminished browsing experience and system performance. This software typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. What is more, adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software or adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open dubious webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, products, services, and so forth. Advertising-supported software developers may get commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MicroLocator adware?
Combo Cleaner is designed to scan systems and eliminate threats. It is capable of detecting and removing installed adware-type apps. On the other hand, manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the software itself is eliminated - various file leftovers remain in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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