Removal instructions for ComputingInteractive adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ComputingInteractive?
ComputingInteractive is a rogue app our researchers discovered while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing it, we determined that this application operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ComputingInteractive adware overview
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may need the browser/device or user geolocation to be compatible, users to visit particular websites, or other specifics to be met - in order to display advertisements. However, regardless of whether ComputingInteractive (or other adware) delivers ad campaigns or not - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software - once clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that reputable developers do not use these ads to endorse their products, yet they can be encountered through them nonetheless. This promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
ComputingInteractive may have browser hijacker abilities since they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we have not observed any while this app was installed onto our test system.
What ComputingInteractive does have - are data tracking functionalities. This adware targets browsing data, personally identifiable details, telephone numbers, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. The developers of advertising-supported software monetize collected data through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ComputingInteractive on devices - can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ComputingInteractive |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25853), 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
SmartProducts, ShareAdvantage, TechPartition, and HorizonLiving are just some examples of the advertising-supported software we have analyzed.
This software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also poses a threat to device integrity and user privacy.
How did ComputingInteractive install on my computer?
Bundling - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Fake Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.
Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is often pushed through deceptive download sites. Most users enter such websites through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, pages using rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements are used to spread adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, when installing - it is important to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
We also advise exercising caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you experience ads/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 ComputingInteractive, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ComputingInteractive adware's installation is over:
ComputingInteractive adware's installation folder:
ComputingInteractive adware installed onto a Safari browser:
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 ComputingInteractive?
- STEP 1. Remove ComputingInteractive related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ComputingInteractive ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ComputingInteractive adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ComputingInteractive ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ComputingInteractive adware using Combo Cleaner:
ComputingInteractive adware removal:
Remove ComputingInteractive-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 typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-delivered adverts 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 ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open sites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily profit through affiliate programs by getting commissions for the endorsement of websites, software, services, products, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ComputingInteractive adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security program) might be ineffective. In some instances, although the software itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain hidden in the system. What is more, such components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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