Removal instructions for EliteMaximus adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is EliteMaximus?
Our research team found the EliteMaximus rogue application during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. Following our examination, we determined that this app is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. EliteMaximus runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and collects private information.
EliteMaximus adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc.).
These advertisements endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by their developers. 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 might require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if the EliteMaximus app does not display advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser hijacker functionalities, although EliteMaximus did not exhibit any during our analysis.
What is more, this rogue application has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, 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 software like EliteMaximus on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EliteMaximus |
| 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.Searchpr), 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: ViewpointTools, StyleHill, SearchProvided, and LoyalShroud are merely some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and harmless. It entices users into download/installation with a wide variety of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, the features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are 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 EliteMaximus install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. 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., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EliteMaximus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EliteMaximus adware's installation is over:
EliteMaximus adware's installation folder:
EliteMaximus adware installed on 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 EliteMaximus?
- STEP 1. Remove EliteMaximus related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EliteMaximus ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EliteMaximus adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EliteMaximus ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EliteMaximus adware using Combo Cleaner:
EliteMaximus adware removal:
Remove EliteMaximus-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. This software displays ads that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EliteMaximus adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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