How to remove the RetrievalBandwidth adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is RetrievalBandwidth?
RetrievalBandwidth is a rogue app that we discovered during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Our analysis revealed that this application is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. RetrievalBandwidth operates by delivering intrusive advert campaigns.
RetrievalBandwidth adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces. These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through adware-delivered ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to run intrusive ad campaigns, such as compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, or others. However, even if RetrievalBandwidth does not display adverts – its presence endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking qualities, although RetrievalBandwidth did not exhibit these traits during testing.
This rogue adware-type application likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like RetrievalBandwidth on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by RetrievalBandwidth |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), 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
ContentRanger, ExplorationSprint, ManagerUnit, and ForwardLean are merely a few examples of adware that we have examined recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It also offers a broad range of handy features, which are rarely operational. Note that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did RetrievalBandwidth install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users typically access these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., applications, extensions, features, etc.).
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with RetrievalBandwidth, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once RetrievalBandwidth adware's installation is over:
RetrievalBandwidth 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 RetrievalBandwidth?
- STEP 1. Remove RetrievalBandwidth related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RetrievalBandwidth ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RetrievalBandwidth adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RetrievalBandwidth ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RetrievalBandwidth adware using Combo Cleaner:
RetrievalBandwidth adware removal:
Remove RetrievalBandwidth-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 endorse harmful content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. This software may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. This software may also be capable of generating redirects and collecting vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RetrievalBandwidth adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all the adware-type apps installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system – even after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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