Removal instructions for ClickManager adware and the ads it displays

What is ClickManager?

ClickManager is a piece of rogue software that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

ClickManager adware overview

Adware may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.) to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether ClickManager displays advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-delivered ads endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can make downloads/installations without user permission - once clicked on.

It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is usually undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, ClickManager might have browser hijacker functionalities as they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during testing.

What is more, ClickManager likely has data tracking abilities. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like ClickManager on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ClickManager
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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

MemoryFunction, IndexerSource, ExpressionCargo, and WheelInstant are just a few examples of the adware we have analyzed recently.

This software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also threatens device integrity and user privacy.

How did ClickManager install on my computer?

Adware can be promoted on its "official" download webpages and scam sites. Users typically access these websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread adware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. Additionally, when installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

We advise exercising caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ClickManager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ClickManager adware using Combo Cleaner:

ClickManager adware removal:

Remove ClickManager-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data tracking functionalities. Adware-delivered advertisements endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types are capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ClickManager adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate the adware-type apps installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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