Removal instructions for AdvancedParameter adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AdvancedParameter?
Our research team discovered the AdvancedParameter app during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this application, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
AdvancedParameter adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services can be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, it is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software 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 AdvancedParameter does not display advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker abilities, although we did not observe any while testing this rogue application.
AdvancedParameter likely collects private information. Adware typically targets the following data: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like AdvancedParameter on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AdvancedParameter |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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 investigated thousands of adware-type apps; MajorLookup, SkilledNetwork, and SystemConfig are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate and offer useful features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Note that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of its legitimacy or safety.
How did AdvancedParameter install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is commonly pushed by scam sites. Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Once 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 available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/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 AdvancedParameter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AdvancedParameter adware's installation is over:
AdvancedParameter 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 AdvancedParameter?
- STEP 1. Remove AdvancedParameter related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AdvancedParameter ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AdvancedParameter adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AdvancedParameter ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AdvancedParameter adware using Combo Cleaner:
AdvancedParameter adware removal:
Remove AdvancedParameter-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 is also considered to be a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware displays advertisements that endorse 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. Its primary functionalities include displaying ads on various interfaces, causing redirects, and/or collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove AdvancedParameter adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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