How to remove AbsoluteValue from the operating system

What kind of application is AbsoluteValue?

AbsoluteValue is an untrustworthy application we discovered while inspecting deceptive websites (e.g., websites instructing visitors to update the Adobe Flash Player). While analyzing AbsoluteValue, we found that it generates unwanted advertisements. Thus, it has been concluded that AbsoluteValue is adware (advertising-supported application).

AbsoluteValue adware in detail

Most adware-type apps bombard users with pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other annoying advertisements. Clicking on ads shown by AbsoluteValue can open untrustworthy websites (e.g., pages used to distribute questionable apps, various technical support scam pages, phishing websites, and other dubious pages).

Moreover, ads displayed by AbsoluteValue can be designed to download or even install unwanted software. In addition to displaying annoying ads, AbsoluteValue may be collecting sensitive information. We tested many similar apps and learned that they can read passwords, credit card details, browsing history, and other data.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AbsoluteValue
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.Searchproxy.f), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

More about adware

Adware-type apps can also be designed to promote fake search engines. They can hijack web browsers by replacing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page with a fake search engine. Results generated by such search engines can include links to untrustworthy pages.

Usually, users cannot remove fake search engines from the settings of a browser while a browser hijacker is present. More examples of applications similar to AbsoluteValue are ModemMaterial, NativeSimply, and LegionSuites.

How did AbsoluteValue install on my computer?

Applications like AbsoluteValue are often distributed via fake installers disguised as the installers for the Adobe Flash Player. Typically, these installers are downloaded from deceptive websites claiming that specific installed software is out of date. It is important to mention that using such installers can cause computer infections.

Also, users install adware by clicking deceptive advertisements or installing software bundled with adware without changing the provided settings. In the second case, unwanted installations are caused when installations are finished without deselecting unwanted apps (without changing "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual", or similar settings).

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download files and applications from legitimate/official websites and stores. Do not use unofficial pages, third-party downloaders and stores, P2P networks, and similar sources to download apps (or files). Also, do not click on fake "Download" buttons or ads while visiting suspicious pages or allow these pages to show notifications.

Deselect unwanted downloads and installations before downloading and installing programs. If your computer is already infected with AbsoluteValue, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of AbsoluteValue adware:

AbsoluteValue'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 AbsoluteValue?
• STEP 1. Remove AbsoluteValue related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove AbsoluteValue ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove AbsoluteValue adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove AbsoluteValue ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove AbsoluteValue adware using Combo Cleaner:

AbsoluteValue adware removal:

Remove AbsoluteValue-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?

The most common problems that users experience while adware is installed are diminished web browsing experience due to intrusive ads and slower computer performance.

What does adware do?

Adware shows annoying advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons). Additionally, software of this type can be designed to hijack a web browser and collect various information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Typically, adware is monetized via affiliate programs. Its developers earn commissions from affiliate programs for promoting various pages, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AbsoluteValue adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will eliminate adware from your computer. It will not leave any data belonging to AbsoluteValue or other adware in the operating system. It is worth mentioning that it may not be easy to remove adware manually - files belonging to adware main remain in the system even after removal.

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