Removing the SolutionsApproach adware-type app and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SolutionsApproach?
SolutionsApproach is a rogue application that our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis revealed that this app is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
SolutionsApproach adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, this software displays adverts (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether SolutionsApproach displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
While AdLoad applications typically have browser-hijacking functionalities, SolutionsApproach did not exhibit any during testing.
Adware usually gathers sensitive user information, and this might apply to SolutionsApproach. Data of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like SolutionsApproach can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SolutionsApproach |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27751), 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
We have investigated countless adware-type apps; RootCompact, CloudConnectors, CreativeApply, and CorporateGlobe are just some examples of our newest finds.
This software rarely looks suspicious or illegitimate. It entices users into downloading/installing it with promises of various useful features. However, these functionalities are usually nonoperational. Note that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SolutionsApproach install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by approaching installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these pages through redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look legitimate – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SolutionsApproach, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SolutionsApproach adware's installation is over:
SolutionsApproach 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 SolutionsApproach?
- STEP 1. Remove SolutionsApproach related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SolutionsApproach ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SolutionsApproach adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SolutionsApproach ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SolutionsApproach adware using Combo Cleaner:
SolutionsApproach adware removal:
Remove SolutionsApproach-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?
The presence of adware on a device can result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. This software delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SolutionsApproach adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. The remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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