How to remove ChipSynergy adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ChipSynergy?
Our research team found the ChipSynergy app during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ChipSynergy adware overview
Adware is designed to enable the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. The ads endorse unreliable/harmful pages and software, scams, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
While legitimate products can be encountered through such ads, they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ChipSynergy delivers advertisements - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, this application might have browser hijacker traits, as they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, ChipSynergy likely gathers private data. Advertising-supported typically targets browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like ChipSynergy on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ChipSynergy |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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 apps; FunctionBlast, TotalResults, PremiumContinental, and LevelNight are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did ChipSynergy install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Users typically enter these webpages via redirects caused by spam browser notifications, sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Adware is also distributed using the bundling marketing technique - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and only downloading it from official/verified channels. Installation must be approached with care. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all bundled additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ChipSynergy, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ChipSynergy adware's installation is over:
ChipSynergy 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 ChipSynergy?
- STEP 1. Remove ChipSynergy related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ChipSynergy ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ChipSynergy adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ChipSynergy ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ChipSynergy adware using Combo Cleaner:
ChipSynergy adware removal:
Remove ChipSynergy-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?
In addition to diminishing the browsing experience, adware-delivered ads promote harmful content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software typically has data tracking abilities - hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs of various websites, apps, products, services, and other content promoted by adware. The developers of this software might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ChipSynergy 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 be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various components (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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