How to remove AssuranceForcast adware and the adverts it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AssuranceForcast?
Our research team found the AssuranceForcast app during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After inspecting this piece of software, we learned that it is adware. AssuranceForcast is part of the AdLoad malware family. This application is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements.
AssuranceForcast adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns by displaying ads on various interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) predominantly promotes online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware.
Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products/services can be encountered through these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that certain conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if AssuranceForcast does not display adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
In many cases, AdLoad adware has browser-hijacking abilities, although AssuranceForcast did not exhibit these functionalities during our analysis.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and this might apply to AssuranceForcast. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like AssuranceForcast on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AssuranceForcast |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27719), 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 countless adware samples; ForwardLean, EnhancementLaptop, and IndexerHardDisk are merely a few of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did AssuranceForcast install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is commonly used to distribute adware.
The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite the ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AssuranceForcast, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AssuranceForcast adware's installation is over:
AssuranceForcast 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 AssuranceForcast?
- STEP 1. Remove AssuranceForcast related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AssuranceForcast ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AssuranceForcast adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AssuranceForcast ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AssuranceForcast adware using Combo Cleaner:
AssuranceForcast adware removal:
Remove AssuranceForcast-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, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device may result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware 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 is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AssuranceForcast adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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