Removal instructions for IndexerSource adware and the adverts it displays

What is IndexerSource?

IndexerSource is an application that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.

IndexerSource adware overview

Adware operates by enabling the placement of advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The adverts endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to download/install software stealthily.

Note that any genuine products encountered via these adverts are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. This endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software might not display advertisements if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to specific sites are not made, or other conditions are not met. However, regardless of whether IndexerSource delivers ads - its presence endangers device/user safety.

Furthermore, this application may have browser hijacker qualities since they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during testing.

IndexerSource likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically gathers browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like IndexerSource on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by IndexerSource
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 apps within the adware classification; WheelInstant, AdvanceServices, and ExpressionCargo are just a couple of examples. This software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities - however, they are rarely operational.

How did IndexerSource install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Download from dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive adverts also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers proliferate adware as well.

Additionally, dubious download pages and scam sites are used in distribution. Users typically enter these websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, 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 channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

We advise exercising caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content looks harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear ordinary yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, and so on).

If you experience such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with IndexerSource, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once IndexerSource adware's installation is over:

IndexerSource 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 IndexerSource?
• STEP 1. Remove IndexerSource related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove IndexerSource ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove IndexerSource adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove IndexerSource ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove IndexerSource adware using Combo Cleaner:

IndexerSource adware removal:

Remove IndexerSource-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Adware-delivered ads promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also force-open webpages and gather sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes via affiliate programs in the form of commissions earn for the promotion of various websites, applications, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove IndexerSource adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) eliminated - file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing issues. Hence, adware must be removed thoroughly.

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