Removal instructions for GeneralDisplay adware and the ads it delivers

What is GeneralDisplay?

Our researchers discovered the GeneralDisplay application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. We analyzed this app and learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

GeneralDisplay adware overview

Adware is designed to enable the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. It is noteworthy that this software might not display ads if certain conditions are unmet, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, regardless of whether GeneralDisplay delivers adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software upon being clicked.

It is pertinent to mention that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

GeneralDisplay may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although this app did not exhibit any during testing.

Furthermore, GeneralDisplay likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data is then monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like GeneralDisplay on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by GeneralDisplay
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; MinimalEnergy, TeachPad, OperationReview - are merely a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software typically looks legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational.

How did GeneralDisplay install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling tactic - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party 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 used in adware distribution as well. Additionally, some intrusive ads can make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

We advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GeneralDisplay, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once GeneralDisplay adware's installation is over:

GeneralDisplay 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 GeneralDisplay?
• STEP 1. Remove GeneralDisplay related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove GeneralDisplay ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove GeneralDisplay adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove GeneralDisplay ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove GeneralDisplay adware using Combo Cleaner:

GeneralDisplay adware removal:

Remove GeneralDisplay-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 the browsing experience and system performance. It typically has data tracking functionalities, which make this software a privacy threat. Adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove GeneralDisplay adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain in the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

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