How to remove UniversalSource from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is UniversalSource?
While testing the UniversalSource application, our team noticed that it displays intrusive advertisements. Therefore, we categorized UniversalSource as adware (advertising-supported software). In most cases, users install adware unintentionally. We discovered UniversalSource while inspecting deceptive web pages.
UniversalSource adware in detail
Advertisements displayed by UniversalSource can open potentially malicious websites, various scams, and other untrustworthy websites designed to extract sensitive information or money, promote shady applications, etc. Also, clicking those ads might cause unexpected downloads or installations. Thus, ads shown by from UniversalSource should not be trusted.
In addition to bombarding users with annoying ads, UniversalSource may collect browsing-related and (or) sensitive information. After inspecting many apps similar to UniversalSource, we found that some of those apps can read credit card details, passwords, and other sensitive information. Data gathered by adware may be misused for malicious purposes.
| Name | Ads by UniversalSource |
| 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. |
More about adware
Another issue with advertising-supported applications is that they can function as browser hijackers. They can hijack web browsers by changing their settings (usually, the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page). Most browser-hijacking apps promote shady search engines.
Examples of advertising-supported apps similar to UniversalSource are EazyBit, DefaultFormat, and EssentialWindow.
How did UniversalSource install on my computer?
Apps like UniversalSource are often distributed using deceptive websites and fake installers. Their developers use deceptive methods (e.g., scare tactics) to trick users into downloading and installing adware. Also, users download and install adware via shady advertisements and software bundles.
When installers have adware (or other unwanted apps) included in them, users install that adware when they finish software installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from official pages and stores. Avoid downloads from shady pages, third-party downloaders, free file hosting sites, etc. Do not trust advertisements (or click fake buttons) on suspicious (e.g., unofficial) pages. Deselect unwanted apps before installing software (use the provided settings in installers to avoid unwanted installations).
If your computer is already infected with UniversalSource, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that pops up after the installation of UniversalSource adware:
UniversalSource'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 UniversalSource?
- STEP 1. Remove UniversalSource related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UniversalSource ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UniversalSource adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UniversalSource ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UniversalSource adware using Combo Cleaner:
UniversalSource adware removal:
Remove UniversalSource-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 slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience, and cause issues related to online privacy.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software displays various advertisements. Also, it can be designed to promote fake search engines and gather information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is monetized mostly via affiliate programs. Its developers are affiliates who promote various pages, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove UniversalSource adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and eliminate all advertising-supported applications. It is recommended to remove adware automatically instead of manually to avoid leaving file leftovers in the system.
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