Removing PlanDevelopment adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is PlanDevelopment?
PlanDevelopment is a piece of rogue software that our researchers discovered during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this application revealed that it operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
PlanDevelopment adware overview
Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these adverts are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers. Typically, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that adware may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether PlanDevelopment displays ads or not - its presence endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, this application might have browser hijacker traits since they are common for AdLoad adware. However, we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, PlanDevelopment likely collects private information. Advertising-supported software usually gathers the following data: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like PlanDevelopment on devices - can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PlanDevelopment |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27093), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.), 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
ExecutiveMethod, LinearRadial, EntrySample, WirelessZipServer are merely some examples of the adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently.
These applications typically appear legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation and/or purchase with various features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did PlanDevelopment install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in advertising-supported software distribution. Furthermore, intrusive advertisements are used to spread adware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
This software is promoted on dubious download webpages and scam sites as well. Most access such websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software products and downloading them from official and verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., reading terms, inspecting possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all supplements.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look ordinary yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PlanDevelopment, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PlanDevelopment adware's installation is over:
PlanDevelopment 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 PlanDevelopment?
- STEP 1. Remove PlanDevelopment related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PlanDevelopment ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PlanDevelopment adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PlanDevelopment ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PlanDevelopment adware using Combo Cleaner:
PlanDevelopment adware removal:
Remove PlanDevelopment-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 may decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software usually collects vulnerable data, which makes it a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-delivered adverts are often deceptive/malicious and can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware displays various advertisements on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. It might also cause redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PlanDevelopment adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, such remnants can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
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