How to remove the CenterNow adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is CenterNow?
CenterNow is a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
CenterNow adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some intrusive adverts can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that adware might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular sites not visited, etc.). However, even if CenterNow does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking qualities, although CenterNow did not exhibit any during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like CenterNow on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CenterNow |
| 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.H), 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
AnalyzeHelper, FreshPlatform, VirtualActivity, AlphaLegend, and DoubleCache are merely some examples of adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers a wide range of useful functionalities. However, the features are typically fake and serve the purpose of bait that tricks users into download/installation. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did CenterNow install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can have official "promotional" pages, and it is often endorsed on scam websites. Most users access such webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive adverts also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous 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 suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CenterNow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CenterNow adware's installation is over:
CenterNow adware's installation folder:
CenterNow 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 CenterNow?
- STEP 1. Remove CenterNow related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CenterNow ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CenterNow adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CenterNow ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CenterNow adware using Combo Cleaner:
CenterNow adware removal:
Remove CenterNow-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays adverts that promote dangerous content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CenterNow adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion