Removing the EmpireFocus adware and its advertisements
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is EmpireFocus?
EmpireFocus is a piece of rogue software that our research team found while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
EmpireFocus adware overview
Advertising-supported software is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Note that this software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular webpages, etc.). However, regardless of whether EmpireFocus delivers advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-displayed ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software 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. This promotion is usually undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, EmpireFocus may have browser hijacker traits since they are typical for AdLoad adware; however, it did not exhibit any during testing. This application also has data tracking functionalities.
Advertising-supported software typically collects browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable information, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like EmpireFocus on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EmpireFocus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26991), 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
HybridSpace, TripleWhole, ConsoleControl, CladRumble, and SkyWard are merely some examples of the adware-type apps that we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and ordinary. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" features, which are seldom operational.
How did EmpireFocus install on my computer?
Adware is promoted through dubious download webpages and scam websites. Users typically enter these sites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
"Bundling" - packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. Furthermore, when installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
We advise exercising caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EmpireFocus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EmpireFocus adware's installation is over:
EmpireFocus adware's installation folder:
EmpireFocus 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
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Quick menu:
- What is EmpireFocus?
- STEP 1. Remove EmpireFocus related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EmpireFocus ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EmpireFocus adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EmpireFocus ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EmpireFocus adware using Combo Cleaner:
EmpireFocus adware removal:
Remove EmpireFocus-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. It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-displayed adverts promote 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 displays advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EmpireFocus adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - file leftovers stay within the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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