How to remove PathwaySpan from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is PathwaySpan?
Following an assessment of the PathwaySpan application, we found that it exhibits bothersome advertisements, categorizing it as adware, also referred to as advertising-supported software. Users commonly install adware without a full grasp of the potential repercussions it may entail.
PathwaySpan adware in detail
PathwaySpan possesses the capability to showcase a range of advertisements, encompassing pop-up ads, banner ads, in-text ads, video ads, and more. These advertisements have the potential to manifest on websites, software applications, and other platforms, often proving to be intrusive and bothersome.
Advertisements presented by PathwaySpan have the capability to lead users to unreliable websites. These websites might harbor malicious elements such as viruses, ransomware, or spyware, jeopardizing users' devices and personal information. Additionally, the ads showcased by PathwaySpan can initiate access to phishing websites, imitating legitimate platforms to deceive users into divulging sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data.
Furthermore, interacting with these ads can redirect users to deceitful websites that endorse counterfeit goods, fraudulent services, or misleading opportunities. Such websites might engage in schemes that deceive users, extracting money or personal information through deceptive promises or propositions.
Additionally, PathwaySpan has the potential to display ads specifically crafted to trigger unforeseen downloads and installations. Lastly, this app may be designed to gather browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, geolocation details, usernames, passwords, email addresses, and other sensitive information.
| Name | Ads by PathwaySpan |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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. |
More about adware
Adware can be designed to engage in browser hijacking. In these instances, adware can alter multiple browser configurations, including the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, with the intention of promoting particular websites, such as counterfeit search engines. These alterations can result in exposure to potentially harmful content.
Examples of apps similar to PathwaySpan are CargoVictory, MovementEvolution, and LevelSmite.
How did PathwaySpan install on my computer?
Adware frequently accompanies freely available software or applications obtained from unreliable sources. If users install these programs without carefully reviewing the installation procedure, particularly the provided options like "Advanced" or "Custom" settings, they might inadvertently consent to the installation of supplementary adware.
Adware can also be disseminated via misleading advertisements, deceptive download buttons, or harmful links, luring users into clicking on them and resulting in the installation of adware onto their systems.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Before downloading and installing any programs, it is advisable to research them online. Make sure to acquire all downloads from official and verified sources. When going through the installation process, meticulously review the terms, examine the available choices, and utilize the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings to decline additional installations, such as apps, extensions, tools, or features.
Be vigilant when navigating the internet, as deceptive and harmful online content, such as advertisements, can often appear genuine and innocuous. Also, refrain from consenting to receive notifications from suspicious websites. If your computer is already infected with PathwaySpan, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of PathwaySpan adware:
PathwaySpan'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
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Quick menu:
- What is PathwaySpan?
- STEP 1. Remove PathwaySpan related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PathwaySpan ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PathwaySpan adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PathwaySpan ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PathwaySpan adware using Combo Cleaner:
PathwaySpan adware removal:
Remove PathwaySpan-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 has the potential to disturb the browsing experience with intrusive advertisements, diminish computer performance, and expose users to security vulnerabilities, such as redirection to malicious websites or the unauthorized gathering of sensitive user information.
What does adware do?
Adware falls under the category of unwanted software that showcases ads to users. On occasion, adware might also involve itself in negative activities, such as taking control of browsers, gathering data, or directing users to dubious websites.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers frequently partake in affiliate marketing initiatives. They leverage adware to endorse particular extensions, websites, or services. When users interact with the advertised links (ads) by clicking on them or making purchases, the adware developers earn commissions from the affiliated companies.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PathwaySpan adware?
Manual removal may not guarantee flawless results, as remnants of files could persist within the system even after the software has been uninstalled, potentially enabling certain components to remain operational. Combo Cleaner will run a thorough computer scan to eliminate installed adware or other undesired applications.
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