How to eliminate SharedFormat adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is SharedFormat?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the SharedFormat application. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to display advertisements, and it may have additional harmful functionalities.
SharedFormat adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The displayed advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any legitimate products/services encountered through these ads are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their developers/creators. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware may need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if SharedFormat does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
It is noteworthy that AdLoad apps tend to have browser-hijacking qualities, although SharedFormat did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive data, and this may be true of SharedFormat. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like SharedFormat on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SharedFormat |
| 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), 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 inspected thousands of adware-type applications; DeckData, AccessUnit, AdjustableBox, ArchiveOperation, ExpandedList are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "useful" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Keep in mind that functional features are not proof of an app's legitimacy or safety.
How did SharedFormat install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique – packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements are also used to distribute advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SharedFormat, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SharedFormat adware's installation is over:
SharedFormat 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 SharedFormat?
- STEP 1. Remove SharedFormat related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SharedFormat ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SharedFormat adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SharedFormat ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SharedFormat adware using Combo Cleaner:
SharedFormat adware removal:
Remove SharedFormat-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 displays ads that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues like system infections, financial losses, etc. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types can cause redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SharedFormat adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining content can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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