How to remove the ZestyPeak adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ZestyPeak?
ZestyPeak is a rogue app that we discovered while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. When we examined this application, we found that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ZestyPeak operates by running intrusive advert campaigns to generate revenue for its developers.
ZestyPeak adware overview
Adware is designed to display ads on various interfaces, such as webpages, desktops, or others. Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ZestyPeak displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of the adverts can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that while genuine products and services can be encountered via these ads – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker qualities; however, we did not observe any such traits while analyzing the ZestyPeak app.
Additionally, ZestyPeak likely has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like ZestyPeak may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ZestyPeak |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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
LookupLauncher, GrowSupport, ConferenceTrader, and MountainVibe are just a few examples of adware-type applications that we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of features. However, the functions are usually fake and nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ZestyPeak install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users mainly access such pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts also spread adware. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
We advise being careful when browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you continuously encounter advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ZestyPeak, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ZestyPeak adware's installation is over:
ZestyPeak 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 ZestyPeak?
- STEP 1. Remove ZestyPeak related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ZestyPeak ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ZestyPeak adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ZestyPeak ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ZestyPeak adware using Combo Cleaner:
ZestyPeak adware removal:
Remove ZestyPeak-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 deceptive/malicious content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. The presence of this software on a device may decrease the browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since this software usually collects sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ZestyPeak adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. Note that manual removal (performed without using security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
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