How to eliminate ViewpointTools adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ViewpointTools?
ViewpointTools is a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Our analysis of this app revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, ViewpointTools is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ViewpointTools adware overview
Adware enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The ads primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the intrusive adverts are capable of performing downloads/installations without user permission.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ViewpointTools displays adverts – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.
AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking qualities, and while ViewpointTools might possess these traits – we did not observe them during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue application has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like ViewpointTools on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ViewpointTools |
| 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
StyleHill, LoyalShroud, SearchProvided, EssentialLoop, and AdvancedParameter are merely some examples of adware we have analyzed.
This software typically appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ViewpointTools install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages. Additionally, it is often pushed through scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Furthermore, installation must be approached with caution. Hence, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ViewpointTools, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ViewpointTools adware's installation is over:
ViewpointTools adware's installation folder:
ViewpointTools 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 ViewpointTools?
- STEP 1. Remove ViewpointTools related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ViewpointTools ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ViewpointTools adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ViewpointTools ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ViewpointTools adware using Combo Cleaner:
ViewpointTools adware removal:
Remove ViewpointTools-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays ads that promote dangerous content capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open webpages and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ViewpointTools adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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