How to remove the VantageAdvisor adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is VantageAdvisor?
VantageAdvisor is a piece of rogue software that our research team discovered while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. It is yet another adware-type app belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
VantageAdvisor adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on various interfaces. These advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and apps, and even malware. Some of these adverts can perform downloads/installations without user permission - upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine products encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
However, advertising-supported software may not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific sites are not visited, etc.). Regardless of whether VantageAdvisor displays advertisements - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker qualities, and this might apply to VantageAdvisor. However, we did not observe any during testing.
VantageAdvisor does have data tracking functionalities. This application can collect browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like VantageAdvisor on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VantageAdvisor |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1036), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.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-type applications; TelevisionReproduce, EllipseChoice, SurplusStatus, and OutlookWade are merely some examples. This software tends to look ordinary and harmless, and it promises "handy" features. However, these functionalities rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did VantageAdvisor install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the "bundling" marketing method - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers 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 can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution. Hence, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additional apps, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary and harmless - however, they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VantageAdvisor, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VantageAdvisor adware's installation is over:
VantageAdvisor adware's installation folder:
VantageAdvisor adware installed onto a Safari browser:
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 VantageAdvisor?
- STEP 1. Remove VantageAdvisor related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VantageAdvisor ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VantageAdvisor adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VantageAdvisor ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VantageAdvisor adware using Combo Cleaner:
VantageAdvisor adware removal:
Remove VantageAdvisor-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 ads that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues, e.g., privacy concerns, system infections, financial losses, etc. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to feed users with ads by displaying them on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, and other content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VantageAdvisor adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since despite the adware being (manually) removed - various leftover files can stay within the system. Furthermore, the remaining content may continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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