How to eliminate the VictorSurge adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is VictorSurge?
VictorSurge is a piece of rogue software that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this application revealed that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
VictorSurge adware overview
Advertising-supported software operates by enabling the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements endorse scams, unreliable/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software once clicked on.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these adverts are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might not display advertisements if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether VictorSurge delivers adverts - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
This application might have browser hijacker qualities, as they are common for advertising-supported software that is part of the AdLoad group. However, we did not observe such abilities during testing.
Furthermore, VictorSurge likely collects private data. Adware usually targets browsing-related information, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like VictorSurge on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VictorSurge |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1005), 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
PlatformFormat, CentralGeo, and AdjustableRotator are merely a few examples of the adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software rarely looks suspicious, it tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. Adware lures users into download/installation with promises of various features, which are usually nonoperational.
How did VictorSurge install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users typically access such pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well. Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to download/install software (adware included) without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. Installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additional apps, tools, features, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such advertisements and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VictorSurge, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VictorSurge adware's installation is over:
VictorSurge 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 VictorSurge?
- STEP 1. Remove VictorSurge related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VictorSurge ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VictorSurge adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VictorSurge ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VictorSurge adware using Combo Cleaner:
VictorSurge adware removal:
Remove VictorSurge-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 delivers advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as adware usually has data tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates most of the profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and so forth. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VictorSurge adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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