Removal instructions for MainAdviseSearch adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is MainAdviseSearch?
Our researchers discovered the MainAdviseSearch app while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware group. It operates by displaying ads and may have additional harmful abilities.
MainAdviseSearch adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other ads) on various interfaces.
These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements can even be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if MainAdviseSearch does not display advertisements – its presence endangers device and user safety.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad family applications often have browser-hijacking functions, although this rogue app did not exhibit any during testing.
MainAdviseSearch likely collects user data. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, browser bookmarks, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like MainAdviseSearch on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MainAdviseSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adlo), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.k), 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 analyzed thousands of adware samples; ActivityCache, RadianceChecked, AssistiveBalance, and ResultProtocol are merely some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears harmless and offers handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did MainAdviseSearch install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. It is just as important to treat installation processes with care, that includes reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being cautious while browsing since fake and dangerous content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MainAdviseSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the MainAdviseSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.MainAdviseSearch/MainAdviseSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.MainAdviseSearchDaemon/MainAdviseSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.MainAdviseSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.MainAdviseSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 MainAdviseSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove MainAdviseSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MainAdviseSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MainAdviseSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MainAdviseSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MainAdviseSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
MainAdviseSearch adware removal:
Remove MainAdviseSearch-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. This software displays adverts that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as most adware apps/extensions collect private information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open sites and gather sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily via affiliate programs. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MainAdviseSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion