How to remove ShoreCreative adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ShoreCreative?
ShoreCreative is a rogue application that we found while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
ShoreCreative adware overview
It is noteworthy that certain factors may impact whether adware delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns. For example, this software might not display ads if the browser/system specs or user geolocation are incompatible, particular websites are not visited, and so on. However, whether ShoreCreative (or other adware) delivers adverts is irrelevant, as its presence on a system endangers device and user safety regardless.
Adware-displayed advertisements promote various scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations - once clicked on.
Any legitimate products encountered through these ads are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by their developers. Instead, this promotion is done by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, ShoreCreative might have browser hijacker functionalities; however, this application did not exhibit any during our analysis.
What is more, ShoreCreative has data tracking abilities. This app can collect browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ShoreCreative on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ShoreCreative |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26627), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!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 samples; DesignPaper, DevelopEfficient, and MajorSector are just a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, the promised functionalities are rarely operational.
How did ShoreCreative install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is commonly endorsed via scam sites. Most users access such websites through redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution. Intrusive ads are used to proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ShoreCreative, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ShoreCreative adware's installation is over:
ShoreCreative adware's installation folder:
ShoreCreative 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 ShoreCreative?
- STEP 1. Remove ShoreCreative related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ShoreCreative ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ShoreCreative adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ShoreCreative ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ShoreCreative adware using Combo Cleaner:
ShoreCreative adware removal:
Remove ShoreCreative-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?
The presence of adware on a system can decrease its performance and diminish the browsing experience. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can force-open sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ShoreCreative adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal since file leftovers may remain hidden in the system. In some cases, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants get left behind. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
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