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Removal instructions for IntegerLocator adware and the ads it displays

Also Known As: Ads by IntegerLocator
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; AdvancedControlVistaQuantumVoltageTask, 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:

Pop-up displayed once IntegerLocator installation is complete

IntegerLocator adware's installation folder:

IntegerLocator adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove IntegerLocator adware using Combo Cleaner:

IntegerLocator adware removal:

Remove IntegerLocator-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.