Removing LatestFeed adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is LatestFeed?
LatestFeed is a rogue applications that our researchers found while looking through new submissions o VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
LatestFeed adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The displayed advertisements endorse various scams, untrustworthy/dangerous sites and software, and even malware. When clicked, some intrusive adverts are capable of downloading/installing content without user consent.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their developers. Instead, this promotion is done by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocations, visits to particular websites, etc.) to display advertisements. Whether LatestFeed (or other adware) delivers ads is irrelevant - as its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.
What is more, LatestFeed may have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although this app did not exhibit any during testing.
This advertising-supported application also has data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: browsing data, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like LatestFeed on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LatestFeed |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26434), 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; CrossSign, ActiveProcess, ZipSome, and ProcessorProgression are just some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically looks legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did LatestFeed install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution. Intrusive adverts are employed in spreading advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
Adware is promoted through misleading download pages and scam websites. Most users enter such sites via redirects caused by intrusive ads, webpages that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software products and only downloading from official and verified channels. It is important to approached installation with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" setting to opt-out of all supplements.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing - as fraudulent and malicious content tends to appear legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/dubious sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements/redirects of this type, check your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected. If your computer is already infected with LatestFeed, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LatestFeed adware's installation is over:
LatestFeed adware's installation folder:
LatestFeed 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 LatestFeed?
- STEP 1. Remove LatestFeed related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LatestFeed ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LatestFeed adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LatestFeed ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LatestFeed adware using Combo Cleaner:
LatestFeed adware removal:
Remove LatestFeed-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 endangers device integrity and user safety. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a privacy threats since it usually has data tracking functionalities. What is more, adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displayed adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Adware may also be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates most of its revenue via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file download, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LatestFeed adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is worth mentioning that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) eliminated - various remnants (files) get left behind in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is crucial to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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