How to remove WirelessZipServer adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is WirelessZipServer?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, we discovered the WirelessZipServer rogue app. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
WirelessZipServer adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software enables the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can make downloads/installations without user consent upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, adware might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unmet (e.g., browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, etc.). However, whether WirelessZipServer displays adverts is irrelevant since its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker traits; however, WirelessZipServer did not exhibit any when we tested it.
What is more, this application likely has data tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually gathers browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like WirelessZipServer on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by WirelessZipServer |
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 samples; EfficiencyInternet, HorizonFlower, and InformationPing are merely a few of our newest finds. This software usually looks harmless and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did WirelessZipServer install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing tactic - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Advertising-supported software is also spread through intrusive ads. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Furthermore, adware is pushed through "official" promotional pages and scam websites. Users primarily access these sites via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is just as important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
We also advise being cautious when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience ads/redirects of this type, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WirelessZipServer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once WirelessZipServer adware's installation is over:
WirelessZipServer 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 WirelessZipServer?
- STEP 1. Remove WirelessZipServer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove WirelessZipServer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove WirelessZipServer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove WirelessZipServer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove WirelessZipServer adware using Combo Cleaner:
WirelessZipServer adware removal:
Remove WirelessZipServer-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 privacy. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by displaying advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, etc. The developers can earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WirelessZipServer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue running and causing problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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