How to eliminate ExploreTransaction adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ExploreTransaction?
During a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the ExploreTransaction application. After analyzing this app, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ExploreTransaction adware overview
Adware enables the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads promote unreliable/dangerous webpages and apps, online scams, and malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can make downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This promotion is primarily undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require the browser/system to be compatible, specific websites to be visited, or other conditions - to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, whether ExploreTransaction delivers ads is irrelevant since its presence endangers device and user safety regardless.
Furthermore, ExploreTransaction may have browser hijacker features, as they are typical for AdLoad adware; however, this app did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, ExploreTransaction likely has data tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of ExploreTransaction or similar software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExploreTransaction |
| 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.h), 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-type apps; DeliteOutward, PortalUltra, and HybridSpace are merely a few examples. This software usually appears genuine and lures users into download/installation with "useful" functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did ExploreTransaction install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
Adware is also endorsed on dubious download pages and scam websites. Most users access these deceptive sites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official and verified channels. Additionally, when installing, it is essential to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
We also advise exercising caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious material usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate and harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you encounter such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExploreTransaction, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExploreTransaction adware's installation is over:
ExploreTransaction 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ExploreTransaction?
- STEP 1. Remove ExploreTransaction related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExploreTransaction ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExploreTransaction adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExploreTransaction ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExploreTransaction adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExploreTransaction adware removal:
Remove ExploreTransaction-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExploreTransaction adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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