How to eliminate the CenterEssence adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is CenterEssence?
Our researchers found the CenterEssence rogue app while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After investigating this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). CenterEssence belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
CenterEssence adware overview
Adware is designed to enable the placement of advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. While this software might not display adverts due to unsuitable conditions (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific sites not visited, etc.) – its presence remains a threat.
Adware-displayed ads endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking traits; however, we did not observe any of these qualities while examining CenterEssence.
This rogue application likely collects private information, e.g., browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, advertising-supported software like CenterEssence may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CenterEssence |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27822), 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 analyzed numerous adware samples; SupportGrid, ArchieveSeeker, DigitalSphere, LaneAnnual, and CycleGraph are just some of our newest finds.
While advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate, its promised functionalities are rarely operational. Note that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did CenterEssence install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts spread adware as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CenterEssence, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CenterEssence adware's installation is over:
CenterEssence 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 CenterEssence?
- STEP 1. Remove CenterEssence related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CenterEssence ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CenterEssence adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CenterEssence ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CenterEssence adware using Combo Cleaner:
CenterEssence adware removal:
Remove CenterEssence-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., displays adverts on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can force-open sites and collect sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, 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 CenterEssence adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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