Removing the WebEnumerator adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is WebEnumerator?
WebEnumerator is a rogue application our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After we examined this app, we learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware); additionally, that WebEnumerator is part of the AdLoad malware family.
WebEnumerator adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with advertisements. This software displays ads on various interfaces.
The delivered third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, surveys, coupons, etc.) promotes online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be endorsed by its developers or other official parties. 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 may need specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Even if WebEnumerator does not display ads – its presence endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, although this rogue application did not exhibit any such qualities during testing.
Furthermore, WebEnumerator likely collects sensitive information. Data of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like WebEnumerator on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by WebEnumerator |
| 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
We have investigated thousands of adware samples; AnalyzerMachine, AdvancedConnection, RemoteManager – are merely a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" features, which are typically fake and nonoperational. It must be emphasized 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 WebEnumerator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is commonly endorsed on scam sites. Most users get redirected to these pages by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must also be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to approach browsing with care since fake and dangerous online content usually appears ordinary and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/harmful sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WebEnumerator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once WebEnumerator adware's installation is over:
WebEnumerator 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 WebEnumerator?
- STEP 1. Remove WebEnumerator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove WebEnumerator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove WebEnumerator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove WebEnumerator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove WebEnumerator adware using Combo Cleaner:
WebEnumerator adware removal:
Remove WebEnumerator-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 endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, software, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WebEnumerator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion