Removal instructions for RadianceChecked adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is RadianceChecked?
While investigating new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the RadianceChecked app. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
RadianceChecked adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements promote various scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any genuine products or services encountered via these ads are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if specific conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, particular sites not visited, etc.). However, even if RadianceChecked does not display adverts – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking functionalities, although we did not observe any such functions while investigating RadianceChecked.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely collects sensitive information. Adware usually targets browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like RadianceChecked on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by RadianceChecked |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpr), 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
AdvancedBrowser, ResultProtocol, SharedFormat, and DeckData are merely some examples of adware-type apps we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with various advantageous functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if the features work as indicated by the promotional material – that is not proof of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did RadianceChecked 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., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
This software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites using 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 highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with RadianceChecked, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once RadianceChecked adware's installation is over:
RadianceChecked 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 RadianceChecked?
- STEP 1. Remove RadianceChecked related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RadianceChecked ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RadianceChecked adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RadianceChecked ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RadianceChecked adware using Combo Cleaner:
RadianceChecked adware removal:
Remove RadianceChecked-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces; this third-party graphical content promotes deceptive/malicious websites and software capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually collects private information.
What does adware do?
Adware displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RadianceChecked adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various files can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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