How to eliminate ElementSync adware from the operating system

What kind of application is ElementSync?

Our research team discovered the ElementSync application during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). It is pertinent to mention that ElementSync belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

ElementSync adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ElementSync displays adverts – it remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.

Adware-delivered ads primarily promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

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

Furthermore, adware usually collects sensitive user information, and this might be true of ElementSync. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ElementSync on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ElementSync
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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

EffortPlanning, DynamicExplorer, and DriveDataCache are but a few examples of adware-type apps we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate/innocuous and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that operational functionalities are not irrefutable indicators of a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did ElementSync install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to distribute adware.

Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users predominantly access these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we recommend reading times, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove ElementSync adware using Combo Cleaner:

ElementSync adware removal:

Remove ElementSync-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 severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software tends to have data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It primarily operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. However, some types can also cause redirects and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, 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 ElementSync adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion