How to remove NanoService adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is NanoService?
We discovered the NanoService rogue app while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Our analysis revealed that this application operates as adware and that it is part of the AdLoad malware family.
NanoService adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to feed users with unwanted advertisements. They can be displayed on various interfaces (e.g., desktops, visited webpages, etc.).
These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products or services encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. 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 may need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if NanoService does not deliver adverts – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
It is pertinent to mention that many AdLoad apps have browser-hijacking functionalities, but this application did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, NanoService likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like NanoService on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by NanoService |
| 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 inspected thousands of adware samples; VersionTrust, SageFine, ClearArchive, and ElementBrowser are just some of our newest finds.
This software typically appears legitimate and useful. Users are enticed by a wide variety of features, which are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if an application or extension works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did NanoService install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. It is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears harmless. For example, despite their legitimate appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult dating, pornography, gambling, scam-promoting, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NanoService, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NanoService adware's installation is over:
NanoService 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 NanoService?
- STEP 1. Remove NanoService related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NanoService ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NanoService adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NanoService ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove NanoService adware using Combo Cleaner:
NanoService adware removal:
Remove NanoService-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. This software displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). It usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is also classified as a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functionalities can include displaying ads, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing a wide variety of content. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove NanoService adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system even after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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