How to remove the AlgorithmFormula adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is AlgorithmFormula?
AlgorithmFormula is a piece of rogue software that our researchers discovered while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. Following our analysis, we learned that this application operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
AlgorithmFormula adware overview
Adware may require specific conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.) to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (i.e., to display ads). AlgorithmFormula is not an exception to this. However, regardless of whether this app (or other advertising-supported software) delivers advertisements or not - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
Adware-delivered ads typically push scams, unreliable/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - when clicked
Note that reputable developers are unlikely to use adware to promote their products, yet legitimate creations can still be encountered via these advertisements. This promotion is primarily undertaken by cyber criminals who abuse affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, AlgorithmFormula might have browser hijacker functionalities as they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during analysis.
What is more, AlgorithmFormula may track data. Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing data, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data is then monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, software like AlgorithmFormula may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AlgorithmFormula |
| 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
EmergingZip, FeaturePremium, SoftwareHelper, and LocatorUpdate are just some examples of the adware we have analyzed.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "useful" features. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did AlgorithmFormula install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P 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 the proliferation of this software. Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware may have "official" promotional/download pages as well. Most users enter such sites through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and always using official/verified download channels. Another recommendation is exercising caution with installation processes, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious material usually looks innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you experience ads/redirects of this kind, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AlgorithmFormula, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AlgorithmFormula adware's installation is over:
AlgorithmFormula 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 AlgorithmFormula?
- STEP 1. Remove AlgorithmFormula related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AlgorithmFormula ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AlgorithmFormula adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AlgorithmFormula ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AlgorithmFormula adware using Combo Cleaner:
AlgorithmFormula adware removal:
Remove AlgorithmFormula-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. It is also considered a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking functionalities. What is more, adware-delivered adverts can be dubious/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software may also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AlgorithmFormula adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating the adware-type applications installed. It has to be noted that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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