Removal instructions for UnitySquad adware and the ads it displays

What is UnitySquad?

Our research team found the UnitySquad application during a routine checkup of new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this app, we learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, we determined that UnitySquad belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

UnitySquad adware overview

Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

These advertisements promote scams, untrustworthy/hazardous sites and software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can make downloads/installations without user consent. Note that any genuine products encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

What is more, UnitySquad might have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are common for AdLoad adware. However, this app did not exhibit any during testing.

UnitySquad likely possesses data tracking abilities as well. Targeted information may include: browser-related data (e.g., visited URLs, searched queries, etc.), usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like UnitySquad on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by UnitySquad
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27086), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpr), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; AuroraFit, NetCreative, MotionCycle, and RidgeWorld are merely some examples. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did UnitySquad install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on dubious download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.

Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs as well. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation must be approached with care. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material typically appears innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts look ordinary and harmless - however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with UnitySquad, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once UnitySquad adware's installation is over:

UnitySquad 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 UnitySquad?
• STEP 1. Remove UnitySquad related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove UnitySquad ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove UnitySquad adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove UnitySquad ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove UnitySquad adware using Combo Cleaner:

UnitySquad adware removal:

Remove UnitySquad-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 decreases browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data tracking functionalities, which make this software a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious problems.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. It may also be capable of causing redirects and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove UnitySquad adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to scan systems and remove threats. It is capable of detecting and eliminating installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.

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