ExplorerIndex Adware (Mac)

What kind of application is ExplorerIndex?

ExplorerIndex is an advertising-supported application. The purpose of this application is to generate intrusive advertisements. Usually, adware is promoted and distributed using deceptive methods. We discovered ExplorerIndex while inspecting deceptive websites suggesting that the Adobe Flash Player (or other software) is out of date.

ExplorerIndex adware

ExplorerIndex adware in detail

ExplorerIndex displays unwanted advertisements to promote potentially malicious websites and applications. Clicking on ads generated by ExplorerIndex can open technical support scam pages, phishing websites, pages offering to download supposedly useful software, etc. Moreover, those ads may be designed to run certain scripts to trigger unwanted downloads or installations.

We examined numerous apps similar to ExplorerIndex and found that some of them can read credit card details, browsing data, passwords, and other information. Data collected by untrustworthy apps can be misused for malicious purposes (e.g., to hijack online accounts or steal identities).

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by ExplorerIndex
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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

More about adware

Advertising-supported apps can be designed not only to show ads but also to hijack web browsers. In such cases, they promote fake search engines by changing the settings of web browsers. Browser-hijacking apps replace the default search engine, homepage and (or) new tab page with a fake search engine.

As we mentioned above, there are many apps similar to ExplorerIndex. Some examples are NativeLightning, AbsoluteValue, and CreedNetwork.

How did ExplorerIndex install on my computer?

Apps like ExplorerIndex are often distributed via fake installers masquerading as installers for the Adobe Flash Player. Typically, these installers get downloaded from deceptive pages. In other cases, users install adware via shady advertisements designed to run certain scripts and software bundles.

When software is bundled with adware,"Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings are included in its installer. Adware gets installed when software installations are finished without changing those settings.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Do not finish downloads and installations of the software without deselecting unwanted apps included in downloaders and installers. Also, do not click on advertisements that appear on questionable pages, and never allow shady pages to show notifications. Use official pages and stores to download apps and software.

If your computer is already infected with ExplorerIndex, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

explorerindex adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

ExplorerIndex's installation folder:

explorerindex adware installation folder

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

What is ExplorerIndex?
STEP 1. Remove ExplorerIndex related files and folders from OSX.
STEP 2. Remove ExplorerIndex ads from Safari.
STEP 3. Remove ExplorerIndex adware from Google Chrome.
STEP 4. Remove ExplorerIndex ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ExplorerIndex adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExplorerIndex adware removal:

Remove ExplorerIndex-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1 Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2 Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3 Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

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:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Usually, advertising-supported software diminishes the web browsing experience by showing intrusive advertisements. Also, it can slow down a computer, force users to browse the web with a fake search engine, or even invade privacy.

What does adware do?

Software of this type generates various advertisements (e.g., banners, pop-ups, coupons). Additionally, it can be designed to hijack a web browser and collect data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Usually, they earn commissions from affiliate programs for promoting various pages, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExplorerIndex adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all adware-type applications. Attempts to remove adware manually may be unsuccessful - files belonging to adware may remain in the system even after removal. Combo Cleaner removes adware without leaving any of its data in the system.