Removal instructions for EssentialLoop adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is EssentialLoop?
EssentialLoop is an adware-type application that we discovered while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. EssentialLoop operates by running intrusive ad campaigns and collecting private data.
EssentialLoop adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, adware displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if the EssentialLoop application does not display advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
It is pertinent to mention that many AdLoad adware-type apps have browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe any during our analysis.
Furthermore, EssentialLoop has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like EssentialLoop on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EssentialLoop |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchp), 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
AdvancedParameter, MajorLookup, SkilledNetwork, and SearchProvided are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and useful. However, it seldom operates as promised, and in most cases – it is utterly nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did EssentialLoop install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites as well. Most users enter such pages via redirects generated by websites 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 strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while 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.).
Should you keep experiencing such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialLoop, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EssentialLoop adware's installation is over:
EssentialLoop adware's installation folder:
EssentialLoop adware installed onto a Safari browser:
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 EssentialLoop?
- STEP 1. Remove EssentialLoop related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EssentialLoop ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EssentialLoop adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EssentialLoop ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EssentialLoop adware using Combo Cleaner:
EssentialLoop adware removal:
Remove EssentialLoop-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 may lead to diminished browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and some types can also cause redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialLoop adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. These remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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