Removing the LegendDeploy adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is LegendDeploy?
Our researchers discovered the LegendDeploy rogue application while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Following installation on our test machine, this app operated as adware. It is noteworthy that LegendDeploy is part of the AdLoad malware family.
LegendDeploy adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. The advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful applications, and malware. Intrusive ads can perform downloads/installations without user permission - upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products/services encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, scammers abuse affiliate programs of such content in order to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.
It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular websites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether LegendDeploy displays advertisements - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, this app may have browser hijacker traits since they are typical for AdLoad adware. However, LegendDeploy did not exhibit any during our analysis.
What is more, this application likely collects private information. Advertising-supported software typically gathers browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like LegendDeploy can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LegendDeploy |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.31925078), 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. |
Adware examples
We have inspected countless adware-type apps; ActiveLink, PowerAnalytics, and OperativeService are just a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It lures users into download/installation with promises of various functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational.
How did LegendDeploy install on my computer?
Advertising-supported software is promoted on its "official" webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages through redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate it as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
"Bundling" - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
We advise being careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look harmless - however, they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LegendDeploy, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LegendDeploy adware's installation is over:
LegendDeploy 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 LegendDeploy?
- STEP 1. Remove LegendDeploy related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LegendDeploy ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LegendDeploy adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LegendDeploy ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LegendDeploy adware using Combo Cleaner:
LegendDeploy adware removal:
Remove LegendDeploy-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 displays ads that endorse deceptive/dangerous content that can cause severe issues such as system infections, financial losses, etc. This software typically has data-tracking abilities - hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., this software displays adverts on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can cause redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by prompting various sites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LegendDeploy adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware is manually removed - various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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