How to remove MomentTech adware and the advertisements it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is MomentTech?
Our research team discovered the MomentTech app during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this application, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). It is pertinent to mention that MomentTech belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
MomentTech adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it enables the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements can make stealthy downloads/installations – when clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered through adware-displayed adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, such as compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. Even if MomentTech does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker traits, and this might be true of MomentTech. However, this app did not exhibit such qualities during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely spies on users' browsing activity and collects sensitive information. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like MomentTech on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MomentTech |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.32421879), 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 analyzed countless adware samples; PrimaryServiceSearch, DigitalSection, FractionControl, TrackAnalyser, AdvancedHelper are merely some examples. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate, ordinary, harmless, and handy. However, it rarely works as promised, and in most cases – its features are utterly nonoperational.
How did MomentTech install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users typically access these pages through redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. It is crucial to approach installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being cautious when browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look ordinary/harmless – however, they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering these advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MomentTech, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MomentTech adware's installation is over:
MomentTech 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 MomentTech?
- STEP 1. Remove MomentTech related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MomentTech ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MomentTech adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MomentTech ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MomentTech adware using Combo Cleaner:
MomentTech adware removal:
Remove MomentTech-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data-tracking functionalities and, as such, is considered to be a privacy threat. Furthermore, this software displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces. Additionally, the software may be capable of force-opening websites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily generate revenue via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MomentTech adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software is removed – leftover files stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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