How to eliminate BalanceSignal adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is BalanceSignal?
We found the BalanceSignal app while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
BalanceSignal adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. These ads promote various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content can be encountered via these advertisements – it is highly unlikely to be endorsed by its developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system, specific sites not visited, and so on. However, even if BalanceSignal does not display adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Although AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe any while investigating BalanceSignal.
This rogue application likely collects private information. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like BalanceSignal on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BalanceSignal |
| 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.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 thousands of adware samples; DefaultOptimization, ComplexPortal, NetworkImagine – are merely a couple of our newest finds. This software usually appears ordinary and harmless. It also tends to offer a broad range of useful and advantageous features.
However, the functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It is noteworthy that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did BalanceSignal install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is commonly used to proliferate adware. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages enter them via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread 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 advise researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of all additional applications, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary/harmless – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BalanceSignal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BalanceSignal adware's installation is over:
BalanceSignal 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
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Quick menu:
- What is BalanceSignal?
- STEP 1. Remove BalanceSignal related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BalanceSignal ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BalanceSignal adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BalanceSignal ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BalanceSignal adware using Combo Cleaner:
BalanceSignal adware removal:
Remove BalanceSignal-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 privacy issues, system infections, financial losses, and other serious problems. Its presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BalanceSignal adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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