How to remove the ElementForce adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ElementForce?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the ElementForce application. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ElementForce adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (various ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The delivered adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Furthermore, when clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can download/install software without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that adware may require specific conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether ElementForce deliver ads - its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
What is more, browser hijacker and data tracking functionalities are standard for advertising-supported software that is part of the AdLoad group. While ElementForce did not exhibit any browser-hijacking abilities while we tested it, this app does track data.
ElementForce can obtain browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like ElementForce on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ElementForce |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26735), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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 countless adware-type applications; BasicTransaction, EfficientRecord, AssetFrame, DynamicLush - are merely some examples. This software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" functions. However, these features are seldom operational.
How did ElementForce install on my computer?
Adware is spread using the bundling marketing method - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. 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 system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are also used in distribution. Additionally, once clicked on, some of these advertisements can stealthily download/install advertising-supported software.
Adware is pushed through dubious download webpages and scam websites as well. Users typically enter sites of this kind via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also recommend being cautious when browsing - since fake and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience adverts and/or redirects of this type, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ElementForce, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ElementForce adware's installation is over:
ElementForce adware's installation folder:
ElementForce 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 ElementForce?
- STEP 1. Remove ElementForce related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ElementForce ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ElementForce adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ElementForce ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ElementForce adware using Combo Cleaner:
ElementForce adware removal:
Remove ElementForce-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 usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, etc. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ElementForce adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain within systems. What is more, these remaining components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, thoroughness is crucial in adware removal.
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