How to eliminate GenesisOdyssey adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is GenesisOdyssey?
GenesisOdyssey is a piece of rogue software that our research team found while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
GenesisOdyssey adware overview
Advertising-supported software operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays ads on visited sites and/or different interfaces. These adverts promote unreliable/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive advertisements are capable of downloading/installing software without user consent - upon being clicked.
It has to be mentioned that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware may not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, visits to particular sites are not made, or other required conditions are unmet. However, whether GenesisOdyssey displays adverts is irrelevant, as its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.
GenesisOdyssey might have browser hijacker qualities as AdLoad adware often has; however, this application did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, GenesisOdyssey may have data tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software typically collects visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, financial/banking information, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like GenesisOdyssey on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GenesisOdyssey |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26947), 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
PixelUnlimited, ConnectionInteractive, and CoralMajesty are merely a few examples of the adware-type applications that we have analyzed recently. This software usually looks harmless and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did GenesisOdyssey install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements are used to distribute advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Furthermore, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
Adware is also promoted on its "official" download webpages and scam sites. Users typically access such pages through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts appear ordinary and harmless, yet they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you experience ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GenesisOdyssey, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once GenesisOdyssey adware's installation is over:
GenesisOdyssey 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 GenesisOdyssey?
- STEP 1. Remove GenesisOdyssey related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GenesisOdyssey ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GenesisOdyssey adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GenesisOdyssey ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GenesisOdyssey adware using Combo Cleaner:
GenesisOdyssey adware removal:
Remove GenesisOdyssey-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 threatens device integrity and user safety. It diminishes the browsing experience and system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, advertising-supported software may be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates most of the revenue through affiliate programs by promoting websites, software, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GenesisOdyssey adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, such components may continue running and causing problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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