How to eliminate EssentialPlatform adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is EssentialPlatform?
Our research team found the EssentialPlatform app while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). We also learned that EssentialPlatform is part of the AdLoad malware family.
EssentialPlatform adware overview
Adware is designed to feed users with undesirable/deceptive advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These ads predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Note that any genuine products/services encountered via these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular sites not visited, etc. Regardless of whether EssentialPlatform displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities; however, EssentialPlatform did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue app likely collects sensitive user information. Adware usually targets the following data: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-support software like EssentialPlatform on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EssentialPlatform |
| 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
ConfigInput, DesignationDrive, DisplayFraction, and PhaseAware are merely a few examples of adware-type applications that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to look ordinary and innocuous. It also offers a broad range of useful functionalities, which are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did EssentialPlatform install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Users typically enter these pages via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to research software prior to downloading/installing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. We recommend treating installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialPlatform, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EssentialPlatform adware's installation is over:
EssentialPlatform 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 EssentialPlatform?
- STEP 1. Remove EssentialPlatform related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EssentialPlatform ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EssentialPlatform adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EssentialPlatform ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EssentialPlatform adware using Combo Cleaner:
EssentialPlatform adware removal:
Remove EssentialPlatform-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 system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers make most of the profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialPlatform adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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