Removal instructions for the ManagerUnit adware-type application

What kind of application is ManagerUnit?

ManagerUnit is an adware-type application that we discovered while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. This app belongs to the AdLoad malware family. ManagerUnit is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This app feeds users with unwanted and deceptive ads.

ManagerUnit adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display adverts on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.

Note that this software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether ManagerUnit displays advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Some of these ads can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It is pertinent to mention that while AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe these abilities while investigating ManagerUnit.

Advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive information, and this might apply to the ManagerUnit app. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. This vulnerable data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ManagerUnit on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ManagerUnit
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; AssuranceForcast, ForwardLean, EnhancementLaptop, FiberOpticJoin, and NativeSeason are merely some examples.

Advertising-supported software tends to appear ordinary and innocuous. It also offers a wide variety of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these functions are usually fake and serve the purpose of bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software. It must be stressed that operational features are not a definitive indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did ManagerUnit install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of permitting bundled content access into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites as well. Most visitors to such pages access them via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ManagerUnit, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ManagerUnit adware's installation is over:

ManagerUnit 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 ManagerUnit?
• STEP 1. Remove ManagerUnit related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ManagerUnit ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ManagerUnit adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ManagerUnit ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ManagerUnit adware using Combo Cleaner:

ManagerUnit adware removal:

Remove ManagerUnit-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classified as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ManagerUnit adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system even after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

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