Removal instructions for the ZipSome adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ZipSome?
ZipSome is an adware-type application that we discovered during a routine inspection of new VirusTotal detections. We learned that this app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display) ads. Furthermore, we determined that ZipSome belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ZipSome adware overview
Adware-delivered advertisements primarily endorse untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive ads are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - once clicked.
Any genuine products encountered via these adverts are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.) to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. However, whether ZipSome (or other adware) displays advertisements is irrelevant - since its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.
Furthermore, ZipSome might have browser hijacker qualities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although this app did not exhibit any during our analysis.
ZipSome may also have data tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like ZipSome on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ZipSome |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26308), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.a), 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
We have analyzed countless adware samples; ProcessorProgression, SystemWalk, LoginCheck, and ProfessionalHelper are just some examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did ZipSome install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using various deceptive techniques. "Bundling" - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is commonly used in distribution. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are also used in this proliferation. Advertising-supported software is spread through intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware may have "official" download pages, and it is also promoted through scam websites. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Installation processes must also be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate and innocuous, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ZipSome, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ZipSome adware's installation is over:
ZipSome 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ZipSome?
- STEP 1. Remove ZipSome related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ZipSome ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ZipSome adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ZipSome ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ZipSome adware using Combo Cleaner:
ZipSome adware removal:
Remove ZipSome-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 endanger device and user safety. It decreases browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers mainly generate revenue through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ZipSome adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind in the system. What is more, these components might continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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