How to remove FeaturePremium adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is FeaturePremium?
FeaturePremium is a piece of rogue software that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis uncovered that this app operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
FeaturePremium adware overview
Adware may not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (display ads) on all systems, as it may require certain conditions to do so. For example, advertising-supported software may not run ad campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to specific websites are not made, or similar. Regardless of whether FeaturePremium (or other adware) displays advertisements or not, its presence on systems endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts usually push scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can infiltrate software into systems upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
FeaturePremium may have browser hijacker abilities, as they are standard for AdLoad adware. It likely also has data tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually targets browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like FeaturePremium on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FeaturePremium |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25995), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), McAfee (RDN/Generic.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
AgentAdmin, DefaultImprovment, TaskCentral, and SoftwareHelper are just some examples of adware. This software tends to appear legitimate and offers "handy" functions. However, these functionalities are seldom operational.
How did FeaturePremium install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download pages, which are rarely accessed intentionally. Most users enter them via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed 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.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well. Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can stealthily download/install software (adware included).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care; that includes - reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also recommend being vigilant when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content tends to look legitimate. If you experience such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.
If your computer is already infected with FeaturePremium, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FeaturePremium adware's installation is over:
FeaturePremium 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 FeaturePremium?
- STEP 1. Remove FeaturePremium related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FeaturePremium ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FeaturePremium adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FeaturePremium ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FeaturePremium adware using Combo Cleaner:
FeaturePremium adware removal:
Remove FeaturePremium-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. This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-displayed adverts typically push deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, software, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FeaturePremium adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain hidden in the system. Additionally, such components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion