Removing the TeachPad adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is TeachPad?
TeachPad is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that TeachPad operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
TeachPad adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that adware might not deliver advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incapable browser/system specs, particular sites are not visited, or similar. However, regardless of whether TeachPad display adverts or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, TeachPad might have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are typical for AdLoad advertising-supported software. However, we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, TeachPad likely has data tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of adware like TeachPad on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TeachPad |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27196), 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 applications; OperationReview, AnalyzerSystem, and ComputingInvolve are just a couple of examples.
This software typically appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all. Therefore, not only is advertising-supported software useless, but it also poses threats to device integrity and user privacy.
How did TeachPad install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing tactic - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Adware is also promoted through dubious download webpages and scam sites. Users typically enter these websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, pages using rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software products prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TeachPad, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TeachPad adware's installation is over:
TeachPad 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 TeachPad?
- STEP 1. Remove TeachPad related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TeachPad ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TeachPad adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TeachPad ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TeachPad adware using Combo Cleaner:
TeachPad adware removal:
Remove TeachPad-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually collects private data, which makes advertising-supported software a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (various advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, adware may be capable of force-opening sites and collecting vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates most of the profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, 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 TeachPad adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various leftovers (files) stay within the system. These remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion