How to remove the UpgradeControl adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is UpgradeControl?
During a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team found the UpgradeControl application. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. UpgradeControl operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have additional harmful capabilities.
UpgradeControl adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited sites and/or other interfaces.
The advertisements promote various scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these ads – is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether UpgradeControl displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker abilities. However, this rogue app did not exhibit any such traits during our analysis.
Furthermore, UpgradeControl likely spies on users' browsing experience. Adware usually collects the following data: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like UpgradeControl on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by UpgradeControl |
| 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 numerous adware samples; SharedKey, FunctionValue, ExecutiveActivity – are just a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate, and it also offers a wide variety of useful functions. However, the features are usually nonoperational – thus serving the purpose of bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did UpgradeControl install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is commonly pushed via scam websites. Most visitors to these webpages access them through redirects generated by sites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, intrusive adverts are used in advertising-supported software proliferation. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is crucial to research software and download it from official/verified channels. Furthermore, when installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with UpgradeControl, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once UpgradeControl adware's installation is over:
UpgradeControl 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 UpgradeControl?
- STEP 1. Remove UpgradeControl related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UpgradeControl ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UpgradeControl adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UpgradeControl ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UpgradeControl adware using Combo Cleaner:
UpgradeControl adware removal:
Remove UpgradeControl-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, and so on. Additionally, this software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and/or gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove UpgradeControl adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, some of the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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