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How to remove AlphaLegend from the operating system

Also Known As: Ads by AlphaLegend
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is AlphaLegend?

In our examination of the AlphaLegend application, we observed intrusive advertising behavior, categorizing it as adware. Adware is often distributed through questionable and deceptive methods, making it possible for unsuspecting users to download and install it unintentionally.

AlphaLegend adware

AlphaLegend adware in detail

AlphaLegend presents intrusive advertisements that can redirect users to potentially harmful websites. These websites may employ deceptive tactics to trick users into calling fake technical support numbers, downloading suspicious applications, or divulging sensitive information like credit card details or identification card information.

Moreover, the ads generated by the ad-supported software have the capability to trigger unauthorized downloads and installations through the execution of specific scripts. Consequently, it is strongly advised to uninstall AlphaLegend and exercise caution by refraining from trusting any of its advertisements.

Another significant motive for removing AlphaLegend from your operating system is its ability to access sensitive information like passwords and credit card details. Unreliable developers may exploit this information for malicious activities, including theft of personal accounts, identities, and finances.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AlphaLegend
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

More about adware

Adware exhibits intrusive advertisements and has the ability to hijack web browsers by promoting questionable search engines. These browser-hijacking applications often modify the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Utilizing unreliable search engines can expose users to potentially harmful websites.

Hence, it is highly advised to employ reputable search engines when navigating the Internet. Examples of advertising-supported apps are DoubleCache, EliteMaximus, and ViewpointTools.

How did AlphaLegend install on my computer?

Adware is frequently installed by users through fake installers obtained from untrustworthy websites, deceptive advertisements, and bundled software. In the case of bundled software, users inadvertently install unwanted applications when they neglect to uncheck them during the installation process.

Usually, installers that include unwanted apps offer options such as "Advanced" or "Custom" settings, which enable users to deselect optional installations.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

To ensure the safety of your downloads, it is advisable to exclusively obtain applications from official websites and trusted app stores. Avoid utilizing peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, unverified websites, and third-party downloaders for software acquisition.

Prior to installation, carefully inspect downloaders and installers for any bundled unwanted applications, and make sure to uncheck them. Exercise caution when encountering advertisements on suspicious websites and refrain from granting permission to receive notifications from such sources.

If your computer is already infected with AlphaLegend, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

The message that appears after the installation of AlphaLegend:

AlphaLegend adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

AlphaLegend installed on Safari:

AlphaLegend adware installed on Safari

AlphaLegend's installation folder:

AlphaLegend adware 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:

Video showing how to remove AlphaLegend adware using Combo Cleaner:

AlphaLegend adware removal:

Remove AlphaLegend-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 negatively impact both the quality of your browsing experience and the overall performance of your system. By displaying ads that promote deceptive or malicious content, adware poses significant risks, including potential system infections and financial losses. Additionally, adware is considered a privacy threat as it often includes data-tracking capabilities.

What does adware do?

Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is specifically designed to display advertisements across various interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

A significant portion of revenue for adware developers is generated through affiliate programs. These programs allow developers to earn commissions by various means, such as clicks on ads, visits to promoted websites, downloads of files, purchases of products, subscriptions to services, and other similar actions.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AlphaLegend adware?

Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning and removing adware-type applications from systems. However, manual removal without the assistance of security programs may not be comprehensive. In some cases, even after manually removing the adware, hidden remnants of files may remain in the system and continue to cause issues. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly eliminate adware to ensure complete removal and prevent any lingering problems.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.