How to remove SagaDynasty adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SagaDynasty?
While looking through new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team found the SagaDynasty rogue application. After analyzing this piece of software, we discovered that it operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
SagaDynasty adware overview
Adware displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, and other ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The delivered advertisements diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpages and slowing down the browsing speed.
Furthermore, they promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can make downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate content encountered via these advertisements is unlikely to be endorsed by its developers/creators. Instead, scammers abuse a product's affiliate program to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.
It has to be stressed that even if advertising-supported software (e.g., SagaDynasty, etc.) does not display ads - its presence endangers device/user safety regardless. Adware might not operate as designed due to an incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites not being visited, or other unsuitable conditions.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker qualities, and SagaDynasty might as well - although we did not observe any traits during testing.
What is more, SagaDynasty likely gathers sensitive information. Advertising-supported software typically collects browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like SagaDynasty on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SagaDynasty |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27063), 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
We have analyzed countless adware samples; MotivePrime, BasicEngine, and SkyWebProcess are merely a few of our newest finds. This software usually looks harmless and advertises "advantageous" features. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did SagaDynasty install on my computer?
Bundling - packing regular software installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to distribute adware. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, 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 proliferation. Furthermore, intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts without user consent.
Adware is promoted on questionable download pages and scam websites as well. Most users enter these sites through redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. Additionally, when installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of supplementary apps, features, tools, etc.
We also advise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear ordinary yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you encounter ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SagaDynasty, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SagaDynasty adware's installation is over:
SagaDynasty 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 SagaDynasty?
- STEP 1. Remove SagaDynasty related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SagaDynasty ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SagaDynasty adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SagaDynasty ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SagaDynasty adware using Combo Cleaner:
SagaDynasty adware removal:
Remove SagaDynasty-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. It typically collects private data, which also makes it a privacy threat. What is more, the ads this software displays 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 displays various adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and gather sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
The developers of adware may earn profit in the form of commissions earned through affiliate programs. The payment is for the promotion of various websites, apps, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SagaDynasty adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since despite the adware being (manually) removed - various remnants (files) can get left behind. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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