Removal instructions for TapScroll adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is TapScroll?
TapScroll is a rogue application that our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as adware. Additionally, we learned that TapScroll belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
TapScroll adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The delivered advertisements endorse scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted in this manner by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns, such as compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, regardless of whether TapScroll displays advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
Furthermore, TapScroll might have browser hijacker qualities since they are common for AdLoad apps, although this app did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, TapScroll likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like TapScroll on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TapScroll |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.32491435), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Search), 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 applications; InstantFresh, OperativeQueue, MajorLetterSearch, and ExtendedTech are just some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
How did TapScroll install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users enter these kinds of webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.
"Bundling" is another technique used to spread advertising-supported software. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation or purchase. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of additional applications, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise being careful when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts can look legitimate/innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TapScroll, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TapScroll adware's installation is over:
TapScroll 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 TapScroll?
- STEP 1. Remove TapScroll related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TapScroll ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TapScroll adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TapScroll ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TapScroll adware using Combo Cleaner:
TapScroll adware removal:
Remove TapScroll-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 is considered to be a privacy threat since this software typically collects private data. Additionally, adware displays advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types are capable of causing redirects and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TapScroll adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
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