How to eliminate ExecutiveBrowser adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ExecutiveBrowser?
We have discovered the ExecutiveBrowser application on a shady website offering to download an update for the Adobe Flash Player. After testing the app, we found that it generates advertisements - it functions as adware. Ads displayed by adware downloaded from untrustworthy sources cannot be trusted.
ExecutiveBrowser adware in detail
ExecutiveBrowser displays advertisements that can open untrustworthy websites (e.g., download pages for questionable apps, various scams). Moreover, those ads can download or even install shady/potentially malicious applications. Thus, it is highly advisable not to trust ads displayed by apps like ExecutiveBrowser.
Our malware researchers have examined many apps like ExecutiveBrowser and found that some of them can hijack web browsers by changing their settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Those apps promote fake search engines that can generate misleading results, redirect to shady websites, and (or) show results generated by other dubious search engines.
| Name | Ads by ExecutiveBrowser |
| 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.h), 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. |
More about adware
One more reason not to have adware installed on a browser or the operating system is that it can be used to collect various information. In such cases, users are at risk of having their identities and personal accounts stolen and (or) or experiencing other problems related to online privacy, and browsing safety.
More adware examples are CommonOperation, CapacityMegabyte, MajorLauncher.
How did ExecutiveBrowser install on my computer?
Most advertising-supported apps are distributed using deceptive websites (for example, download pages for fake installers), shady advertisements, and downloaders/installers for other programs. In the third case, adware can be found included in downloaders and installers as an optional download or installation.
Users download or install adware alongside other software when they do not change "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings before finishing downloads or installations. In most cases, users download or install adware unintentionally.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download programs (and files) from legitimate sources such as official websites and platforms. Do not trust apps promoted on shady websites or use third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources to download them.
Deselect optional downloads and installations before downloading and installing programs bundled with unwanted apps. Avoid clicking on advertisements showing up on dubious pages. Do not allow shady websites to show notifications or click suspicious buttons on them.
If your computer is already infected with ExecutiveBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of ExecutiveBrowser adware:
ExecutiveBrowser's Contents 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 ExecutiveBrowser?
- STEP 1. Remove ExecutiveBrowser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExecutiveBrowser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExecutiveBrowser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExecutiveBrowser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExecutiveBrowser adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExecutiveBrowser adware removal:
Remove ExecutiveBrowser-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 slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience, invade privacy, and cause more problems.
What does adware do?
Usually, adware displays annoying advertisements. However, it can have additional functionality (it can gather various data and hijack web browsers).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They use adware to promote various products, websites, and (or) services. Most of their income is generated via affiliate programs and in similar ways.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExecutiveBrowser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware and other unwanted software. There will be no files belonging to adware left in the system after the removal, which is often a problem when removing adware manually.
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