How to remove the CosmoLoop adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is CosmoLoop?
CosmoLoop is a rogue application that our research team discovered while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This app operates as advertising-supported software (adware). It is pertinent to mention that CosmoLoop belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
CosmoLoop adware overview
Adware is designed to enable the placement of advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited webpages and/or different interfaces.
These ads predominantly promote scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine products/services encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether CosmoLoop displays ads – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
This rogue application might also have browser hijacker traits since they are common to AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any such qualities during testing.
Furthermore, CosmoLoop collects sensitive information. Targeted data includes: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like CosmoLoop on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CosmoLoop |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined thousands of adware-type apps; DoubleCache, SearchEmpire, and EliteMaximus are merely a few examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and harmless. It entices users with a wide variety of handy functionalities. However, these features seldom operate as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did CosmoLoop install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – 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 free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users access such webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software prior to download or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look ordinary – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CosmoLoop, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CosmoLoop adware's installation is over:
CosmoLoop adware's installation folder:
CosmoLoop 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 CosmoLoop?
- STEP 1. Remove CosmoLoop related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CosmoLoop ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CosmoLoop adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CosmoLoop ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CosmoLoop adware using Combo Cleaner:
CosmoLoop adware removal:
Remove CosmoLoop-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of generating 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, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CosmoLoop adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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