How to eliminate InformationLeader unwanted application

What kind of software is InformationLeader?

InformationLeader is an advertising-supported application (adware) that bombards users with annoying advertisements. We discovered this app after using a fake installer downloaded from a website claiming that it is required to update the Adobe Flash Player. It is not uncommon for apps like InformationLeader to be promoted and distributed using deceptive methods.

InformationLeader adware in detail

The purpose of InformationLeader is to show various advertisements (e.g., banners, pop-up ads, coupons, surveys). Advertisements displayed by InformationLeader should not be trusted. They may open websites designed to lure visitors into providing sensitive information, downloading shady apps, paying for unnecessary services or products, etc.

In addition to displaying ads, InformationLeader may be capable of reading data such as credit card details, passwords, browsing history, and other information. Its developers may use the obtained information for marketing purposes, to steal identities and online accounts, or sell it to third parties.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by InformationLeader
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), 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.a), 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

Sometimes, adware is used to promote fake search engines. It hijacks a web browser by changing its settings (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab page). Browser-hijacking apps force users to browse the Internet using fake search engines that often promote shady pages.

There are many apps similar to InformationLeader, for example, ThrillAlgorithm, AnalogManager, and QuantityTopic. These apps should never be installed on computers or browsers.

How did InformationLeader install on my computer?

InformationLeader is distributed via a fake installer. This app installs after completing the steps provided in the setup. It is important to mention that fake installers can be used to distribute malicious software.

In other cases, adware gets installed alongside other software or after clicking ads designed to run certain scripts. Programs bundled with adware have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings (or ticked checkboxes) in their installers. Users install adware after completing installations without changing the settings mentioned above.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download software from legitimate sources (official websites and stores). Note that P2P networks, third-party downloaders or platforms, shady pages, and similar sources can be used to distribute shady and even malicious apps. Also, do not trust advertisements appearing on suspicious pages or allow websites of this kind to show notifications.

Always deselect optional downloads/installations before downloading/installing software (check downloaders and installers for unwanted applications and deselect them). If your computer is already infected with InformationLeader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A window that pops up after the installation of InformationLeader adware:

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

Video showing how to remove InformationLeader adware using Combo Cleaner:

InformationLeader adware removal:

Remove InformationLeader-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 most cases, adware diminishes the web browsing experience by showing annoying ads while users browse the Internet. In some cases, it can affect computer performance and even invade privacy.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software displays digital advertising material. Additionally, it can collect data and hijack a web browser.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

The most popular way to monetize adware is to participate in affiliate programs. Depending on the affiliate program, adware developers promote websites, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove InformationLeader adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware (and other unwanted software) from a computer. It is recommended to remove adware automatically since manual removal may not be the best solution. It is common that file leftovers belonging to adware remain in the system even after removal.

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