Removal instructions UniversalDisplay adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is UniversalDisplay?
We discovered the UniversalDisplay rogue application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
UniversalDisplay adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if UniversalDisplay does not deliver adverts – its presence remains a threat to device/user safety.
AdLoad applications tend to have browser-hijacking qualities, although we did not observe any while analyzing the UniversalDisplay app.
Furthermore, this rogue piece of software likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like UniversalDisplay on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by UniversalDisplay |
| 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 investigated thousands of adware-type applications; OperativeHandler, NativeTopics, OptimalModule are merely a few examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Its features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did UniversalDisplay install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, 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 websites. Most users enter webpages of this kind via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. 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 before downloading/installing it. Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with UniversalDisplay, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once UniversalDisplay adware's installation is over:
UniversalDisplay 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 UniversalDisplay?
- STEP 1. Remove UniversalDisplay related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UniversalDisplay ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UniversalDisplay adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UniversalDisplay ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UniversalDisplay adware using Combo Cleaner:
UniversalDisplay adware removal:
Remove UniversalDisplay-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is categorized as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing sites, applications, extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove UniversalDisplay adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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