Removal instructions for LivingAware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is LivingAware?
Our researchers found LivingAware while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). In other words, LivingAware displays advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, this app is part of the AdLoad malware family.
LivingAware adware overview
It is noteworthy that adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system spec or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether LivingAware delivers ads - its presence endangers device/user safety.
The advertisements displayed by adware promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, LivingAware may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are often part of AdLoad adware. However, this application did not exhibit such traits during our analysis.
What is more, LivingAware likely has data tracking abilities. Targeted information may include browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like LivingAware on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LivingAware |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1009), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Symantec (OSX.Trojan.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 countless adware-type apps; PlatformFormat, AssistSample, ExpandedSystem, and CentralGeo are just some examples. This software typically appears ordinary/innocuous and offers "useful" functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did LivingAware install on my computer?
Adware is distributed by using the "bundling" marketing tactic, i.e., packed into regular program installers. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Advertising-supported software is also spread through intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the ads execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware is promoted on dubious download webpages and scam sites as well. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, 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" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/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 LivingAware, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LivingAware adware's installation is over:
LivingAware 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
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Quick menu:
- What is LivingAware?
- STEP 1. Remove LivingAware related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LivingAware ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LivingAware adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LivingAware ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LivingAware adware using Combo Cleaner:
LivingAware adware removal:
Remove LivingAware-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. The ads it delivers can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LivingAware adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. Since despite the advertising-supported software being (manually) removed - file leftovers may remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing issues. Hence, adware must be removed thoroughly.
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