How to remove TrackAnalyser adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is TrackAnalyser?
TrackAnalyser is a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
TrackAnalyser adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Some intrusive ads can even perform stealthy downloads/installation upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse affiliate programs in order to obtain commissions fraudulently.
It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if TrackAnalyser does not display ads - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, TrackAnalyser might have browser hijacker functionalities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe such traits during testing.
What is more, TrackAnalyser likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like TrackAnalyser on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by TrackAnalyser |
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 (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 thousands of adware-type apps; IdentityStack, InputView, ConnectedProtocol, and EngineFlow are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "useful" functionalities, which are rarely operational. Even if the advertised features work - that is not a guarantee of the software's legitimacy or safety.
How did TrackAnalyser install on my computer?
"Bundling" packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to distribute adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., by using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements are also used to distribute advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Additionally, adware can have official promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and only downloading from official and verified channels. It is just as important to exercise caution while installing, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
We advise vigilance while browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TrackAnalyser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TrackAnalyser adware's installation is over:
TrackAnalyser 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
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 TrackAnalyser?
- STEP 1. Remove TrackAnalyser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TrackAnalyser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TrackAnalyser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TrackAnalyser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TrackAnalyser adware using Combo Cleaner:
TrackAnalyser adware removal:
Remove TrackAnalyser-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 ads promoting deceptive and malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software usually has data-tracking functionalities - hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, this software may be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers can earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TrackAnalyser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. These remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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