Removal instructions for LoyalShroud adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is LoyalShroud?
While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team discovered the LoyalShroud app. After investigating this application, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
LoyalShroud adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., this software displays adverts on various interfaces. These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine products/services can be encountered via these advertisements – they are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software might not display adverts if the browser/system specs are incompatible, visits to particular websites are not made, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if LoyalShroud does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Additionally, LoyalShroud might have browser hijacker abilities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue application has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted data includes: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like LoyalShroud on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LoyalShroud |
| 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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Search), 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-type applications; EssentialLoop, SearchProvided, and MajorLookup are merely a couple of examples.
Adware is typically presented as legitimate and useful software. However, its promised features are rarely operational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definite proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did LoyalShroud install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Most users access such webpages via redirects generated by sites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Another recommendation is to approach installation with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
We advise being cautious while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive ads may appear innocuous, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LoyalShroud, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LoyalShroud adware's installation is over:
LoyalShroud adware's installation folder:
LoyalShroud 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 LoyalShroud?
- STEP 1. Remove LoyalShroud related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LoyalShroud ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LoyalShroud adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LoyalShroud ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LoyalShroud adware using Combo Cleaner:
LoyalShroud adware removal:
Remove LoyalShroud-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. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking capabilities. Furthermore, adware displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LoyalShroud adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftover files can remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to remove adware thoroughly.
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