Removal instructions for LauncherIndex adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is LauncherIndex?
Our research team discovered the LauncherIndex adware-type app during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaign and may have additional harmful capabilities.
LauncherIndex adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue by delivering intrusive ad campaigns. Typically, adware enables the placement of adverts (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.
The advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of the ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether LauncherIndex displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
AdLoad adware may have browser-hijacking functionalities; however, we did not observe any while investigating LauncherIndex.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely gathers private information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like LauncherIndex on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LauncherIndex |
| 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
We have analyzed numerous adware-type apps; ExpandedBrowser, InterfaceHelper, SkilledModuleSearch, UpgradeControl, and SharedKey are just some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software is designed to appear legitimate and useful. It entices users into downloading/installing it by promising a wide variety of handy functionalities, which are usually nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if an application works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did LauncherIndex install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to distribute adware. Bundled content can infiltrate the system due to downloads made from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) or because of rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements are also used to spread adware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users typically access such pages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look legitimate – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LauncherIndex, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LauncherIndex adware's installation is over:
LauncherIndex 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 LauncherIndex?
- STEP 1. Remove LauncherIndex related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LauncherIndex ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LauncherIndex adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LauncherIndex ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LauncherIndex adware using Combo Cleaner:
LauncherIndex adware removal:
Remove LauncherIndex-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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, and others. Its presence on a device can result in a diminished browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, this software is deemed 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 visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open webpages and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by obtaining commissions for the promotion of websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LauncherIndex adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion