Removing AdminRotator adware-type app and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AdminRotator?
While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team discovered the AdminRotator application. Our analysis of this app revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware). AdminRotator is part of the AdLoad malware family.
AdminRotator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts on various interfaces. Third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) primarily promotes online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific websites not visited, etc.). However, even if AdminRotator does not display adverts – its presence endangers device/user safety.
It is pertinent to mention that while AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking abilities, AdminRotator did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like AdminRotator on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AdminRotator |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined thousands of adware-type apps; ReferProgrammer, DeviceOptimizer, ValueStandard, and WillowAmaze are just a few examples. This software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "handy" and "advantageous" functions. However, these functionalities are rarely operational.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did AdminRotator install on my computer?
The "bundling" marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is a common distribution method for adware.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out from all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AdminRotator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AdminRotator adware's installation is over:
AdminRotator 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 AdminRotator?
- STEP 1. Remove AdminRotator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AdminRotator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AdminRotator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AdminRotator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AdminRotator adware using Combo Cleaner:
AdminRotator adware removal:
Remove AdminRotator-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 deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, privacy problems, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tacking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AdminRotator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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