Removing TaskPost adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is TaskPost?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team found the TaskPost application. After analyzing this rogue app, we learned that it is adware. Additionally, this piece of software belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
TaskPost adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) enables the placement of various pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. In addition to diminishing the browsing experience, these ads promote scams, unreliable/harmful webpages and software, and even malware.
Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations - once clicked on. It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered through these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It must also be mentioned that adware might not display ads if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, specific sites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether TaskPost delivers ad campaigns or not - its presence endangers device and user safety.
TaskPost might have browser hijacker abilities since they are typical for AdLoad advertising-supported software. However, this app did not exhibit any during our analysis.
What is more, TaskPost likely has data tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of TaskPost or similar software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TaskPost |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26879), 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 inspected countless adware samples, e.g., SagaDynasty, MotivePrime, SkyWebProcess, BasicEngine, UnitySquad, and so forth.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into allowing apps of this kind into their devices with various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did TaskPost install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using "bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are used in distribution. Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked.
Adware can also be promoted through dubious download webpages and scam websites. Users typically enter such sites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, pages using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Furthermore, installation 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.
We advise exercising caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear ordinary yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TaskPost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TaskPost adware's installation is over:
TaskPost 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 TaskPost?
- STEP 1. Remove TaskPost related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TaskPost ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TaskPost adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TaskPost ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TaskPost adware using Combo Cleaner:
TaskPost adware removal:
Remove TaskPost-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 diminishes browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, the ads delivered by advertising-supported software can be deceptive/dangerous and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software may also be capable of causing redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their revenue through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, etc. Profit might be made through commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TaskPost adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, this leftover content may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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