How to eliminate the AdvancedBrowser adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AdvancedBrowser?
While reviewing new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the AdvancedBrowser app. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware group. This application runs intrusive ad campaigns and may have other undesirable/harmful abilities.
AdvancedBrowser adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. These ads endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. Some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations – upon being clicked.
Note that while legitimate products/services can be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by their developers. It is most probable that this is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions for the endorsement.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported might not deliver advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if AdvancedBrowser does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking abilities, although this rogue application did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, AdvancedBrowser likely collects private information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like AdvancedBrowser on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AdvancedBrowser |
| 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.j), 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 countless adware-type applications; ResultProtocol, SharedFormat, DeckData, AccessUnit, and AdjustableBox are merely some examples of our latest 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. It must be stressed that operational functionalities are not proof of an app's legitimacy or safety.
How did AdvancedBrowser install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional sites, and it is endorsed on scam webpages. Most users access such pages through redirects caused by websites that use 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 strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. We also recommend being cautious when installing content, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AdvancedBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AdvancedBrowser adware's installation is over:
AdvancedBrowser 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 AdvancedBrowser?
- STEP 1. Remove AdvancedBrowser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AdvancedBrowser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AdvancedBrowser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AdvancedBrowser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AdvancedBrowser adware using Combo Cleaner:
AdvancedBrowser adware removal:
Remove AdvancedBrowser-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?
The presence of adware on a device can result in decreased browsing experience and system performance. This software typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classified as a privacy threat. Additionally, adware displays advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, this software may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AdvancedBrowser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all the adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion