Removal instructions for ChannelLegion adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ChannelLegion?
Our research team discovered the ChannelLegion application while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ChannelLegion adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with various advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The ads endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as incompatible browser/system, specific websites not visited, etc. Regardless of whether ChannelLegion displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe any while testing ChannelLegion.
Furthermore, this rogue app likely collects private information. Adware typically 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, advertising-supported software like ChannelLegion may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even lead to identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ChannelLegion |
| 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
LibraryBlog, DigitalCommand, and OperationTool are just a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. It also offers a wide variety of handy functionalities, which are usually nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ChannelLegion install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is commonly used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps/sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most visitors to these pages access them via redirects generated by websites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise caution while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ChannelLegion, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ChannelLegion adware's installation is over:
ChannelLegion 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 ChannelLegion?
- STEP 1. Remove ChannelLegion related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ChannelLegion ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ChannelLegion adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ChannelLegion ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ChannelLegion adware using Combo Cleaner:
ChannelLegion adware removal:
Remove ChannelLegion-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 serious problems, such as system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Its presence on a device can also result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classified as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ChannelLegion adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
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