Removal instructions for the NativeLightning adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is NativeLightning?
Our researchers discovered NativeLightning during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
NativeLightning adware overview
Adware may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display ads on various interfaces), such as compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, regardless of whether NativeLightning delivers adverts - its presence on a system threatens device and user safety.
Advertising-supported software enables the placement of various advertisements that promote online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products encountered through these ads are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the products' affiliate programs.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking functionalities; however, we did not observe any when testing NativeLightning.
Furthermore, this rogue app may collect private data. Advertising-supported software usually targets browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like NativeLightning on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by NativeLightning |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.31743706), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 countless adware samples; AbsoluteValue, CreedNetwork, and RankBet are merely a couple of our newest finds. This software seldom appears suspect, it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Adware lures users into download/installation and/or purchase with promises of various features, which are rarely operational.
How did NativeLightning install on my computer?
"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive adverts are used to spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to download/install software without user consent. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users typically enter such pages through redirects caused by sites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to open webpages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We advise being careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you keep experiencing ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NativeLightning, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NativeLightning adware's installation is over:
NativeLightning 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
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Quick menu:
- What is NativeLightning?
- STEP 1. Remove NativeLightning related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NativeLightning ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NativeLightning adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NativeLightning ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove NativeLightning adware using Combo Cleaner:
NativeLightning adware removal:
Remove NativeLightning-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 advertisements that endorse deceptive/malicious content, which can cause serious issues like system infections, financial losses, etc. This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting a wide variety of content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove NativeLightning adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware is manually removed - file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. What is more, such remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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