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How to remove ExtendedSample from the operating system

Also Known As: Ads by ExtendedSample
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is ExtendedSample?

While testing ExtendedSample, our team learned that this application displays intrusive advertisements. Thus, we classified ExtendedSample as adware (advertising-supported software). We discovered this app after executing a fake installer masquerading as the installer for Adobe Flash Player.

ExtendedSample adware

More about ExtendedSample adware

ExtendedSample shows unwanted advertisements (e.g., banners, pop-up ads, surveys, coupons) that can open shady websites. Those ads can lead users to phishing websites and technical support scam sites urging visitors to call fake numbers or perform other actions. Also, clicking those ads can open malicious pages and websites offering to download untrustworthy apps.

It is common for apps like ExtendedSample to have information-tracking abilities. In such cases, they can access browsing-related information and even sensitive data such as passwords, credit card details, phone numbers, etc. Data collected by untrustworthy apps can be misused for malicious purposes (e.g., to steal identities and hijack online accounts).

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ExtendedSample
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (ExtendedSample.service) Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.25), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.u), 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.

Adware in general

The purpose of adware is to bombard users with annoying ads designed to promote mostly shady apps and pages. Additionally, adware can be capable of hijacking a web browser (manipulating its settings) and gathering data. Most advertising-supported apps are promoted as legitimate and useful. However, it is rarely mentioned what their downsides are.

More adware examples are RealInfo, MainFrameSelect, and LegendDeploy.

How did ExtendedSample install on my computer?

ExtendedSample installs via fake installer promoted on deceptive websites suggesting that the installer version of Adobe Flash Player is outdated. Also, adware is distributed via installers for other software and untrustworthy advertisements designed to execute certain scripts.

When adware is bundled with other software (included in installers), users install it when they finish installations without deselecting optional installations. Usually, it can be done using "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual", or similar settings provided in installers.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download applications from official websites and stores. Do not trust apps and files downloaded from shady websites or via P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources. Deselect unwanted apps bundled with desired software before finishing downloads and installations.

Also, do not trust ads on shady pages or allow such sites to show notifications. If your computer is already infected with ExtendedSample, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A window that pops up when ExtendedSample is installed:

extendedsample adware message that pops up when extendedsample is present

Text in this message:

"ExtendedSampled" will damage your computer.

This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

OK
Show in Finder

First installation step in the fake installer distributing ExtendedSample:

extendedsample adware installer

Second installation step:

extendedsample adware installer step 2

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:

Video showing how to remove ExtendedSample adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExtendedSample adware removal:

Remove ExtendedSample-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.

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 1Check 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 2Check 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 3Check 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 4Check 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 5Scan 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

Safari iconRemove 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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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, software of this type slows down a computer and diminishes the web browsing experience (by showing intrusive ads and changing the default search engine or other browser settings).

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software shows advertising material (ads). Also, it can be designed to hijack a web browser and collect various data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of them participate in affiliate programs. They are paid for promoting various pages, products, services, etc. It is common for adware to be used for fraudulent advertising.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExtendedSample adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove ExtendedSample and other adware. It is recommended to remove adware automatically to avoid leaving file leftovers in the system. It can be difficult to completely remove adware manually.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by ExtendedSample QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ExtendedSample on your mobile device.
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Platform: macOS

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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.