Removal instructs for NavigateSystem adware and the adverts it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is NavigateSystem?
NavigateSystem is a rogue app that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing it, we have determined that this application operates as advertising-supported software (adware). We also found that NavigateSystem belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
NavigateSystem adware overview
Following successful installation onto our test machine, NavigateSystem began running intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., displaying ads).
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to deliver adverts (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether NavigateSystem (or other adware) displays advertisements or not - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Adware-displayed ads typically promote various untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - when clicked.
Any legitimate products encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Scammers who abuse affiliate programs employ this advertising method to obtain illegitimate commissions.
NavigateSystem may have browser hijacker qualities, as they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, NavigateSystem may also have data tracking abilities. Information of interest can include - browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. Adware developers generate revenue by selling gathered data to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like NavigateSystem on devices - can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by NavigateSystem |
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.h), 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
CommonAnalyser, MultiDetail, and FreshSkill are just a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software looks legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities, which are usually nonoperational. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also endangers device/user safety.
How did NavigateSystem install on my computer?
Advertising-supported software can be bundled together with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (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.
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements can download/install software (including adware) without user consent - once clicked on.
Adware can also have "official" promotional/download webpages, which are seldom accessed intentionally. Most users enter them through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you encounter such ads and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NavigateSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NavigateSystem adware's installation is over:
NavigateSystem 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
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Quick menu:
- What is NavigateSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove NavigateSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NavigateSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NavigateSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NavigateSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove NavigateSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
NavigateSystem adware removal:
Remove NavigateSystem-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 browsing quality and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities - hence, it is also considered a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts can be malicious and cause various issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by promoting websites, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove NavigateSystem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, various components (files) remain in the system even after the software itself is removed. What is more, the remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
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