Removing the LauncherLocator adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is LauncherLocator?
Our research team discovered the LauncherLocator application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is adware. It is noteworthy that LauncherLocator is part of the AdLoad malware family.
LauncherLocator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc.). These advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these ads – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as incompatible browser/system specs, particular websites not visited, etc. Regardless of whether LauncherLocator displays advertisements or not – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
This application may also have browser hijacker qualities since they are common in AdLoad software. However, we did not observe any such traits during testing.
Furthermore, LauncherLocator likely collects sensitive user data. Adware typically targets the following information: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like LauncherLocator on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LauncherLocator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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
EnginePro, CenterNow, FreshPlatform, and VirtualActivity are merely a few examples of adware-type applications we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers a broad range of functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed 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 LauncherLocator install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is commonly promoted on scam sites. Users predominantly access such pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device 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., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. It is just as important to treat installation processes with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LauncherLocator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LauncherLocator adware's installation is over:
LauncherLocator 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
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 LauncherLocator?
- STEP 1. Remove LauncherLocator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LauncherLocator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LauncherLocator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LauncherLocator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LauncherLocator adware using Combo Cleaner:
LauncherLocator adware removal:
Remove LauncherLocator-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 ads that promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, and so on. Furthermore, adware usually 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 enable the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LauncherLocator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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