Removal instructions for FreshPlatform adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is FreshPlatform?
FreshPlatform is a rogue application that our research team discovered while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
FreshPlatform adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., this software displays ads on various interfaces.
These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Furthermore, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if FreshPlatform does not display adverts – its presence remains a threat.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking abilities, and this might be true of FreshPlatform, although it did not exhibit any such traits during testing.
What is more, FreshPlatform likely collects sensitive information. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following data: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like FreshPlatform on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FreshPlatform |
| 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 analyzed countless adware samples; AlphaLegend, CosmoLoop, DoubleCache – are just a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious or harmful. Applications and extensions within this classification tend to look legitimate and useful. However, they seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did FreshPlatform install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements are used to distribute adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is often endorsed on scam websites. Most users access such webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software prior to download or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FreshPlatform, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FreshPlatform adware's installation is over:
FreshPlatform adware's 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
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Quick menu:
- What is FreshPlatform?
- STEP 1. Remove FreshPlatform related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FreshPlatform ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FreshPlatform adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FreshPlatform ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FreshPlatform adware using Combo Cleaner:
FreshPlatform adware removal:
Remove FreshPlatform-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 can display advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content, which is capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by promoting websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FreshPlatform adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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