Removing TerminalGenerate adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is TerminalGenerate?
TerminalGenerate is an application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this rogue app revealed that it is adware. Furthermore, TerminalGenerate is part of the AdLoad malware family.
TerminalGenerate adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to display adverts on visited sites and/or other interfaces. In addition to decreasing browsing quality, these advertisements promote unreliable/harmful websites and apps, scams, and malware. Some intrusive ads can even stealthily download/install software - once clicked on.
It has to be mentioned that any genuine content encountered through adware-delivered adverts is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs - to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not display ads if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., browser or system are incompatible, visits to specific sites are not made, etc. However, regardless of whether TerminalGenerate delivers advertisements - it endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad adware frequently has browser-hijacking abilities, and this might be true of TerminalGenerate. Although, it is noteworthy that this app did not exhibit such functionalities during testing.
What is more, TerminalGenerate likely gathers private information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card details, and so on. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, software like TerminalGenerate can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even lead to identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TerminalGenerate |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27137), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), 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; ResolutionProduct, AllocateClassics, and OrionRound are a few examples.
Advertising-supported software seldom looks suspicious; it tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users are lured with promises of various "handy" features, which are rarely operational. Hence, not only is adware worthless, but it also threatens device integrity and user privacy.
How did TerminalGenerate install on my computer?
Bundling - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are employed in distribution. Advertising-supported software is also spread through intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Dubious "promotional" webpages and scam sites are used to proliferate adware as well. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with the ability to redirect to webpages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend always researching software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Note that all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
We also advise caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.)
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TerminalGenerate, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TerminalGenerate adware's installation is over:
TerminalGenerate 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 TerminalGenerate?
- STEP 1. Remove TerminalGenerate related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TerminalGenerate ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TerminalGenerate adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TerminalGenerate ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TerminalGenerate adware using Combo Cleaner:
TerminalGenerate adware removal:
Remove TerminalGenerate-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 negatively affect the browsing experience and system performance. The ads it displays can be harmful and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software usually collects private data, thus making it a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Other functionalities can include force-opening webpages and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
The developers of this software profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TerminalGenerate adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) may not always be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, thoroughly removing adware is crucial.
Outstanding!
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