How to eliminate CentralGeo adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is CentralGeo?
CentralGeo is a piece of rogue software. After we installed this app on our test machine, we learned that it operates as adware. CentralGeo runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it might cause redirects and collect private data. Additionally, this application is part of the AdLoad malware family.
CentralGeo adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to enable the placement of intrusive ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The advertisements endorse unreliable/harmful sites and software, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive adverts are even capable of making stealthy downloads/installations when clicked on.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that adware might not deliver ads if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, particular websites not being visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether CentralGeo displays adverts - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, CentralGeo may have browser hijacker qualities since they are standard for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, CentralGeo has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like CentralGeo on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CentralGeo |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.61174017), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.ATE), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Gen.gen), 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; AdjustableRotator, VibeProfile, OpticalTransaction, and UniversalHandler are merely some of our newest finds. This software tends to look harmless and promises "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did CentralGeo install on my computer?
Bundling - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the system. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users typically enter these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and always downloading from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with care. Hence, we advise reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material tends to look legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts appear harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CentralGeo, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CentralGeo adware's installation is over:
CentralGeo 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 CentralGeo?
- STEP 1. Remove CentralGeo related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CentralGeo ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CentralGeo adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CentralGeo ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware CentralGeo adware using Combo Cleaner:
CentralGeo adware removal:
Remove CentralGeo-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It typically has data tracking functionalities, which make this software a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates most of the profit via affiliate programs by promoting a wide variety of content. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CentralGeo adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain within systems. What is more, these components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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