How to eliminate LevelSmite adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LevelSmite?
Our researchers discovered the LevelSmite application during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. LevelSmite operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have other harmful abilities.
LevelSmite adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It aims to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially harmful advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, surveys, etc.) can be displayed on various interfaces.
The adverts primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of the ads can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the continent's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if LevelSmite does not display ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe any while testing this application.
LevelSmite likely has data-tracking functionalities since they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like LevelSmite on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LevelSmite |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27814), 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 numerous adware-type apps; FeaturePerformance, CargoPreview, and PoolDen are merely a couple of examples.
While advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate/harmless, it seldom operates as promised. The advertised features are typically fake and serve the purpose of bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did LevelSmite install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-support software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LevelSmite, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LevelSmite adware's installation is over:
LevelSmite 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 LevelSmite?
- STEP 1. Remove LevelSmite related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LevelSmite ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LevelSmite adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LevelSmite ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LevelSmite adware using Combo Cleaner:
LevelSmite adware removal:
Remove LevelSmite-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, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it typically collects private data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-support software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LevelSmite adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. The remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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