How to remove the RelianceTask adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is RelianceTask?
Our research team discovered the RelianceTask rogue application while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supporting software (adware). Furthermore, RelianceTask is part of the AdLoad malware family.
RelianceTask adware overview
Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of making stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Note that any genuine products encountered through these ads are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that adware may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular webpages, etc.). However, regardless of whether RelianceTask displays advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
RelianceTask may have browser hijacker traits, as they are often part of AdLoad adware. However, we did not observe any during our analysis.
Furthermore, this application likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually collects visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information is then monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like RelianceTask on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by RelianceTask |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27179), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!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 thousands of adware-type apps; DailyPanel, TerminalGenerate, and ResolutionProduct are but a few examples.
This software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of various "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did RelianceTask install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users typically access these websites via redirects caused by pages 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 recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and harmless, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads and/or 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 RelianceTask, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once RelianceTask adware's installation is over:
RelianceTask 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 RelianceTask?
- STEP 1. Remove RelianceTask related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RelianceTask ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RelianceTask adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RelianceTask ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RelianceTask adware using Combo Cleaner:
RelianceTask adware removal:
Remove RelianceTask-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?
In addition to decreasing browsing quality and system performance, adware delivers ads that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RelianceTask adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. Since despite the adware itself having been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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