Removing NetMacro adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is NetMacro?
NetMacro is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing NetMacro, we determined that it is a piece of advertising-supported software (adware) that belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
NetMacro adware overview
Adware may require certain factors to be met (e.g., compatible system/browser, visits to particular websites, etc.) - to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display adverts). Hence, while NetMacro delivered ads on our test machine, it might not on other systems. Advertising-supported software endangers device/user safety, regardless of whether it displays advertisements.
Adware-delivered adverts typically endorse unreliable/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software stealthily.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products may be encountered via these ads, they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by their actual developers. Scammers who abuse affiliate programs often use this advertising method to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While NetMacro did not exhibit any browser hijacker abilities during analysis, it may have them since they are common for AdLoad adware.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities, and NetMacro may also have them. Adware developers collect sensitive information (e.g., browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc.) and sell it to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like NetMacro on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by NetMacro |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25515), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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
AdvancedDisplay, MicroLocator, and NavigateIndex are just a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software appears legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did NetMacro install on my computer?
Adware developers proliferate their products using various deceptive methods. "Bundling" - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is commonly used in distribution. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, 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 often employed in adware proliferation. Intrusive adverts are used to spread this software as well. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked.
Advertising-supported software may also have "official" download webpages, which are rarely accessed intentionally. Most users enter them via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and only downloading from official/verified sources. Another recommendation is treating installation processes with care, which includes - reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/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 look innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you encounter such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NetMacro, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NetMacro adware's installation is over:
NetMacro 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 NetMacro?
- STEP 1. Remove NetMacro related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NetMacro ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NetMacro adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NetMacro ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove NetMacro adware using Combo Cleaner:
NetMacro adware removal:
Remove NetMacro-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat since this software usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can force-open questionable/harmful sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove NetMacro adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all detected adware-type applications. However, manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be the perfect solution as it can be ineffective. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay in the system. What is more, such components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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