Removal instructions for the NavigateIndex adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is NavigateIndex?
NavigateIndex is an adware-type application that our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that NavigateIndex belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
NavigateIndex adware overview
After being installed onto our test system, NavigateIndex began delivering intrusive ad campaigns (i.e., displaying various advertisements).
Advertising-supported software (adware) may require certain conditions to be met - to operate properly. To elaborate, if the device/browser is incompatible, user geolocation is of no interest, users do not visit particular websites, etc. - this software will not deliver ads. Regardless of whether this software does or not, its presence on a system still endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts usually promote unreliable/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of infiltrating software into devices - upon being clicked.
Any genuine products encountered through these ads are not promoted in this manner by their creators. This marketing method is primarily used by scammers abusing affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
NavigateIndex may have browser hijacker qualities since they are common for AdLoad adware - although this app did not exhibit such behavior during analysis.
What is more, NavigateIndex may have data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing data, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking information, and so forth. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like NavigateIndex on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by NavigateIndex |
| 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
MicroLocator, AdjustableControl, and AccessibleSection are a few examples of the adware we have researched. Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate, and it offers "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did NavigateIndex install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using a broad range of methods. One of these techniques is "bundling" - packing installers of ordinary software with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial and freeware websites, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Advertising-supported software is often spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
Additionally, intrusive ads can infiltrate this software into systems. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also have "official" promotional/download pages, which are rarely accessed intentionally. Most users enter them through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive advertisements, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
Caution and vigilance are key to computer safety. Therefore, we recommend researching software and downloading from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
It is pertinent to mention that fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads appear harmless yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.). Hence, we advise against inattentive and reckless browsing habits.
If you experience advertisements or redirects of this kind, inspect your device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NavigateIndex, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NavigateIndex adware's installation is over:
NavigateIndex 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 NavigateIndex?
- STEP 1. Remove NavigateIndex related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NavigateIndex ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NavigateIndex adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NavigateIndex ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove NavigateIndex adware using Combo Cleaner:
NavigateIndex adware removal:
Remove NavigateIndex-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 quality and decrease system performance. It is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as this software typically has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software (adware) operates by displaying ads on the websites visited and/or other interfaces. Some types may also be capable of force-opening suspicious webpages and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit from affiliate programs by endorsing sites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove NavigateIndex adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. However, manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even though the advertising-supported software itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) remain in the system. Furthermore, such components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
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