How to remove BalanceStack adware-type application and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is BalanceStack?
BalanceStack is the name of a rogue app that our research team discovered while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After inspecting this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. BalanceStack is part of the AdLoad malware family.
BalanceStack adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.
This software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether BalanceStack displays adverts – its presence remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements mainly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities. However, we did not observe any such abilities while testing BalanceStack.
This rogue application likely collects vulnerable data. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following information: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. This sensitive data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like BalanceStack on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BalanceStack |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27809), 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 examined thousands of adware-type applications; CenterEssence, SupportGrid, and ArchieveSeeker are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It entices users into download/installation by promising a wide variety of functionalities, which are rarely operational. It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did BalanceStack install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive ads proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BalanceStack, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BalanceStack adware's installation is over:
BalanceStack 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 BalanceStack?
- STEP 1. Remove BalanceStack related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BalanceStack ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BalanceStack adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BalanceStack ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BalanceStack adware using Combo Cleaner:
BalanceStack adware removal:
Remove BalanceStack-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 delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually collects private information.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs by promoting content. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BalanceStack adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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