Removing EllipseChoice adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is EllipseChoice?
EllipseChoice is a rogue application that we discovered during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, it is worth mentioning that EllipseChoice is part of the AdLoad malware family.
EllipseChoice adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful webpages and apps, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations - upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted in this manner by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain commissions fraudulently.
It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software may not deliver ads if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits not made to specific sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether EllipseChoice displays adverts - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
What is more, EllipseChoice may have browser hijacker functionalities as they are common for AdLoad adware, although this app did not exhibit any during testing.
Advertising-supported software usually collects private data, and EllipseChoice likely does as well. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like EllipseChoice on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EllipseChoice |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27232), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), McAfee (RDN/Generic.osx), 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; CoordinatorOptimization, SurplusStatus, SmartRecord, and OutlookWade are merely some examples. Advertising-supported software tends to look ordinary and innocuous. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did EllipseChoice install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs/media. 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.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters are used in distribution as well. Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware is also distributed through questionable promotional webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it from official and verified sources. It is just as important to approach installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EllipseChoice, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EllipseChoice adware's installation is over:
EllipseChoice 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 EllipseChoice?
- STEP 1. Remove EllipseChoice related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EllipseChoice ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EllipseChoice adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EllipseChoice ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EllipseChoice adware using Combo Cleaner:
EllipseChoice adware removal:
Remove EllipseChoice-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 is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as this software typically has data tracking functionalities. Additionally, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, this software may be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, and other content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EllipseChoice adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various files can remain hidden in the system. What is more, these components can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
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