Removal instructions for IntegerLocator adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is IntegerLocator?
IntegerLocator is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that IntegerLocator operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
IntegerLocator adware overview
It is noteworthy that adware may require the browser/system or user geolocation to be compatible, visits to particular websites, or similar factors - in order to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (display ads). However, regardless of whether IntegerLocator delivers adverts - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements endorse untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software upon being clicked.
Any legitimate products encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
What is more, IntegerLocator may have other harmful abilities. AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker functionalities; however, during our analysis - this app did not exhibit any.
Advertising-supported software usually has data tracking abilities, and this likely applies to IntegerLocator. Information of interest includes: browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, and so on. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like IntegerLocator on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by IntegerLocator |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-CG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26523), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; AdvancedControl, VistaQuantum, VoltageTask, and GlobalQueue are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, the promised functionalities are usually nonoperational.
How did IntegerLocator install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing tactic - packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements are used to spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Additionally, adware is promoted through "official" download pages and scam websites. Users typically access these sites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since fake and malicious content appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with IntegerLocator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once IntegerLocator adware's installation is over:
IntegerLocator 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 IntegerLocator?
- STEP 1. Remove IntegerLocator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove IntegerLocator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove IntegerLocator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove IntegerLocator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove IntegerLocator adware using Combo Cleaner:
IntegerLocator adware removal:
Remove IntegerLocator-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 typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads endorse deceptive/malicious material that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, adware may be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove IntegerLocator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be effective. In some cases, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, such remnants can continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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