How to remove the EffortPlanning adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is EffortPlanning?
Our researchers found the EffortPlanning app during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. Additionally, it was evident that EffortPlanning is part of the AdLoad malware family.
EffortPlanning adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others. The adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. When clicked on, some of them can even perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while genuine content may be encountered through these advertisements – it is unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc. However, even if EffortPlanning does not display ads – this application remains a threat.
While AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking qualities, we did not observe these traits while testing EffortPlanning.
Furthermore, this rogue adware-type app likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like EffortPlanning on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EffortPlanning |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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
DynamicExplorer, ElementaryDivision, and EdgeCommand are merely a few examples of adware we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspect; it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing this software with various useful features, which are usually nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did EffortPlanning install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on its "official" download pages and scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that 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 approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EffortPlanning, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EffortPlanning adware's installation is over:
EffortPlanning 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 EffortPlanning?
- STEP 1. Remove EffortPlanning related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EffortPlanning ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EffortPlanning adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EffortPlanning ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EffortPlanning adware using Combo Cleaner:
EffortPlanning adware removal:
Remove EffortPlanning-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 adverts that endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Its presence on a device can result in diminished browsing quality or system performance. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting websites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EffortPlanning adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be effective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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