How to eliminate ValueStandard adware-type app from the operating system

What kind of application is ValueStandard?

Our researchers discovered ValueStandard while inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Once we examined this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.

ValueStandard is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements.

ValueStandard adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.

Note that specific conditions may be necessary for this software to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether ValueStandard delivers adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.

Adware-displayed ads primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

While legitimate products and services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

While AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, ValueStandard did not exhibit these abilities during testing.

Adware usually collects sensitive user information, and this might be true of ValueStandard. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ValueStandard on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ValueStandard
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27767), 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. ▼ 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 investigated numerous adware samples; WillowAmaze, MapperGrid, EssenceSkill, and ContentRanger are merely a few of our newest finds. This software typically appears legitimate and offers various features. However, the functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did ValueStandard install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.

Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive ads. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look ordinary/innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove ValueStandard adware using Combo Cleaner:

ValueStandard adware removal:

Remove ValueStandard-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 promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also deemed to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ValueStandard adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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