Removing SurplusStatus adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is SurplusStatus?
During a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team found the SurplusStatus rogue application. Our analysis revealed that SurplusStatus is advertising-supported software (adware). Furthermore, SurplusStatus is part of the AdLoad malware family.
SurplusStatus adware overview
It is noteworthy that adware might not operate as designed - deliver intrusive ad campaigns - if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., browser/system incompatible, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether SurplusStatus displays advertisements - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Advertising-supported software delivers adverts that endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It has to be mentioned that any genuine products encountered via these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, SurplusStatus may have browser-hijacking abilities, as they are commonly part of AdLoad apps. However, SurplusStatus did not exhibit any during testing.
This application likely collects private information. Adware typically gathers browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like SurplusStatus on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SurplusStatus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1016), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchprox), 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; OutlookWade, VictorSurge, LivingAware - are merely a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software usually looks harmless and offers "handy" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did SurplusStatus install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed via scam websites. Users typically enter these sites through redirects caused by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated using the bundling technique - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware distribution. Intrusive adverts are used to spread this software as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly 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 just as important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
We advise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SurplusStatus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SurplusStatus adware's installation is over:
SurplusStatus 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 SurplusStatus?
- STEP 1. Remove SurplusStatus related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SurplusStatus ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SurplusStatus adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SurplusStatus ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SurplusStatus adware using Combo Cleaner:
SurplusStatus adware removal:
Remove SurplusStatus-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-delivered advertisements promote deceptive/malicious material that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, identity theft, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. The developers generate revenue through content promotion, which is achieved by the software displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types are capable of causing redirects and collecting vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, products, services, and so on. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SurplusStatus adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Since despite the adware having been (manually) removed - various files may remain hidden within the system. These remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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