How to remove the CreedNetwork adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is CreedNetwork?
CreedNetwork is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. We inspected this piece of software and determined that it operates as adware. It is noteworthy that CreedNetwork is part of the AdLoad malware family.
CreedNetwork adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. To elaborate, advertising-supported software displays advertisements on various interfaces.
These ads endorse untrustworthy/dangerous websites and apps, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive adverts are even capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Note that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers seeking to obtain commissions fraudulently by abusing affiliate programs.
Adware may not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system, particular sites are not visited, etc. However, whether CreedNetwork displays adverts is irrelevant - as its presence on a system threatens device/user safety regardless.
AdLoad advertising-supported software often has browser hijacker qualities, and this may apply to CreedNetwork - however, it did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically collects visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like CreedNetwork on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CreedNetwork |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), 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; ModemMaterial, RankBet, and NativeSimply are merely a few examples.
This software usually appears ordinary and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did CreedNetwork install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary software. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.
Advertising-supported software is distributed through dubious download pages and scam websites as well. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Additionally, when installing, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise being careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CreedNetwork, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CreedNetwork adware's installation is over:
CreedNetwork 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 CreedNetwork?
- STEP 1. Remove CreedNetwork related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CreedNetwork ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CreedNetwork adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CreedNetwork ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CreedNetwork adware using Combo Cleaner:
CreedNetwork adware removal:
Remove CreedNetwork-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 displays ads endorsing dangerous content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can force-open sites and gather private data as well.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CreedNetwork adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various leftover files remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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