Removal instructions for ShareAdvantage adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ShareAdvantage?
ShareAdvantage is a rogue app that our researchers found when a user reported it on a support forum. After analyzing this application, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). Furthermore, ShareAdvantage is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ShareAdvantage adware overview
Adware may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display adverts). For example, unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, visits to specific websites are made, or similar - adware might not deliver advertisements. However, the presence of ShareAdvantage (or other advertising-supported software) on a system endangers device/user safety regardless of whether it runs ad campaigns.
Adware-displayed advertisements endorse untrustworthy/hazardous websites and apps, scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can infiltrate software into systems upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers who use affiliate programs to fraudulently obtain commissions.
ShareAdvantage might have browser hijacker functionalities since they are typical for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during our analysis.
Furthermore, this piece of software may have data tracking abilities. Adware usually collects browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ShareAdvantage on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ShareAdvantage |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25874), 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
TechPartition, SolveCenter, and DynamicGrid are just a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software typically appears harmless and offers "handy" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did ShareAdvantage install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using various deceptive/questionable methods. It can be bundled with (packed into installation setups of) ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting 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 used in distribution as well. Advertising-supported software is also spread through intrusive ads. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, which are rarely accessed intentionally. Most users enter such pages via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive advertisements, spam browser notifications, or adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official and verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care, which entails - reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is exercising caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads look innocuous, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such advertisements/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ShareAdvantage, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ShareAdvantage adware's installation is over:
Screenshot of ShareAdvantage's extension in Safari web browser:
ShareAdvantage 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 ShareAdvantage?
- STEP 1. Remove ShareAdvantage related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ShareAdvantage ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ShareAdvantage adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ShareAdvantage ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ShareAdvantage adware using Combo Cleaner:
ShareAdvantage adware removal:
Remove ShareAdvantage-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as this software typically collects private data. What is more, adware-delivered adverts can promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ShareAdvantage adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is important to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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