Removing SmartTransaction adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is SmartTransaction?
SmartTransaction is an adware-type application that our research team discovered while reviewing new submissions to VirusTotal. We also learned that this app belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
SmartTransaction adware overview
Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display adverts). For example, if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, users do not visit specific websites, etc. - advertising-supported software might not deliver ad campaigns.
Hence, while SmartTransaction ran intrusive advertisement campaigns on our test machine, it might not on others. Regardless of whether advertisements are displayed, the presence of adware on a system - endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Adware-delivered ads typically promote untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software stealthily.
The promotion of any legitimate products through these adverts is unlikely to be undertaken or approved by their actual developers. Instead, this marketing technique is most commonly used by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
What is more, SmartTransaction may have browser hijacker functionalities as they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during our analysis.
This app may also collect private data. Advertising-supported software usually gathers browsing data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking information, and so on. The collected data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like SmartTransaction on devices - can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SmartTransaction |
| 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
NavigateSystem, FlowSurplus, MultiDetail, and InfinityHardware are just some examples of the adware-type applications we have analyzed.
They seldom bear a suspicious appearance; their developers design these apps to look legitimate and useful. However, any promised features are typically nonoperational. Hence, not only is advertising-supported software worthless, but it also endangers device/user safety.
How did SmartTransaction install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using various deceptive methods. This software can be bundled together with regular programs. Download from dubious 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 device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in this distribution. Intrusive advertisements are used to spread adware as well. When clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software may have "official" promotional/download pages. These webpages are usually accessed via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, websites that use rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading from official/trustworthy sources. Additionally, when installing, we advise - reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also recommend exercising caution when browsing, as illegitimate and malicious content tends to look harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements appear innocuous yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SmartTransaction, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SmartTransaction adware's installation is over:
SmartTransaction 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 SmartTransaction?
- STEP 1. Remove SmartTransaction related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SmartTransaction ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SmartTransaction adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SmartTransaction ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SmartTransaction adware using Combo Cleaner:
SmartTransaction adware removal:
Remove SmartTransaction-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 usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (including system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, fie downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SmartTransaction adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (without the use of security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the software itself is deleted - various remnants (files) stay hidden in the system. What is more, these components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
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