Removal instructions for VantageGains adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is VantageGains?
VantageGains is a rogue application that our researchers discovered while investigating VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. VantageGains is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app operates by running intrusive ad campaigns.
VantageGains adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements predominantly push online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate content can be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be endorsed by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. Regardless of whether VantageGains displays advertisements – the app's presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad adware commonly has browser hijacker abilities. However, VantageGains did not exhibit any of these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely collects sensitive user data. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like VantageGains may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VantageGains |
| 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
ZestyPeak, LookupLauncher, and GrowSupport are just a couple examples of adware we have examined recently. This software tends to look legitimate and offers a broad range of handy features. However, the promised functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational.
It must be mentioned that even if an app or an extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did VantageGains install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VantageGains, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VantageGains adware's installation is over:
VantageGains 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 VantageGains?
- STEP 1. Remove VantageGains related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VantageGains ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VantageGains adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VantageGains ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VantageGains adware using Combo Cleaner:
VantageGains adware removal:
Remove VantageGains-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software delivers ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, adware is classed as a threat to user privacy since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VantageGains adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all manner of threats. It will scan your device and remove installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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