How to eliminate the MergeFlow adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is MergeFlow?
Our researchers discovered the MergeFlow application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Following an examination, we determined that this piece of software is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
MergeFlow adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of various advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Adware-delivered ads primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites not visited, or others. Regardless of whether the MergeFlow app displays adverts – its presence remains a threat to device/user safety.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking qualities – however, this rogue application did not exhibit any such traits during our analysis.
MergeFlow likely collects sensitive user information, e.g., browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, advertising-supported software like MergeFlow can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MergeFlow |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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
SeasonValue, StoreFlow, SphereSpace, and RootDiscover are but a few examples of adware-type applications that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these features are typically fake/nonoperational since they are merely bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did MergeFlow install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed via scam websites. Visitors to these webpages enter them predominantly through redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look legitimate/harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MergeFlow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MergeFlow adware's installation is over:
MergeFlow 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 MergeFlow?
- STEP 1. Remove MergeFlow related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MergeFlow ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MergeFlow adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MergeFlow ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MergeFlow adware using Combo Cleaner:
MergeFlow adware removal:
Remove MergeFlow-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-displayed adverts endorse content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish browsing quality and system performance. It can also have data-tracking functionalities – hence, adware is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned for the promotion of various websites, software, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MergeFlow adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all the adware-type applications installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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