Removal instructions for IntelligenceLabs adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is IntelligenceLabs?
IntelligenceLabs is an adware-type application that our research team found while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This app belongs to the AdLoad malware family. IntelligenceLabs delivers intrusive ad campaigns and may have additional harmful capabilities.
IntelligenceLabs adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive adverts. This third-party graphical content is displayed on visited webpages and/or other interfaces.
Adware-delivered advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, surveys, coupons, etc.) predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular sites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether IntelligenceLabs displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat to device and user safety.
AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking functionalities, although IntelligenceLabs did not exhibit such abilities during testing.
This rogue application likely collects sensitive user information. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following data: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like IntelligenceLabs on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by IntelligenceLabs |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27763), 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; MovementEvolution, CargoVictory, LevelSmite, FeaturePerformance, and UrbanClassic are just some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software rarely looks illegitimate or otherwise suspicious. It tends to appear ordinary and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing the software by promises of various useful and advantageous features. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did IntelligenceLabs install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is commonly used to distribute adware.
Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is often endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising it works, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look legitimate/harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with IntelligenceLabs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once IntelligenceLabs adware's installation is over:
IntelligenceLabs 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 IntelligenceLabs?
- STEP 1. Remove IntelligenceLabs related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove IntelligenceLabs ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove IntelligenceLabs adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove IntelligenceLabs ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove IntelligenceLabs adware using Combo Cleaner:
IntelligenceLabs adware removal:
Remove IntelligenceLabs-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 dangerous content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, software, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove IntelligenceLabs adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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