How to remove InitialPlatform adware-type app from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is InitialPlatform?
We found the InitialPlatform adware-type application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This piece of software is part of the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. InitialPlatform may also have other harmful capabilities.
InitialPlatform adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) primarily promotes online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Software within this classification may need certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, even if InitialPlatform does not display adverts – this app remains a threat to device/user safety.
While AdLoad applications tend to have browser-hijacking functionalities, InitialPlatform did not exhibit them during our analysis.
Adware usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of the InitialPlatform app. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like InitialPlatform on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by InitialPlatform |
| 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.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
We have investigated countless adware samples; GoldenLooker, InterfaceBrowser, HardwareRelevancy, and GeneralAccess are merely some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and promises useful functions. However, these functionalities are typically fake and nonoperational. It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software works as detailed by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did InitialPlatform install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of permitting bundled content access into devices is increased by downloading from dubious channels, e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other third-party sources. The threat is also increased by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources.
We advise exercising caution when installing, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InitialPlatform, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once InitialPlatform adware's installation is over:
InitialPlatform 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 InitialPlatform?
- STEP 1. Remove InitialPlatform related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InitialPlatform ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InitialPlatform adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InitialPlatform ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove InitialPlatform adware using Combo Cleaner:
InitialPlatform adware removal:
Remove InitialPlatform-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers adverts that primarily promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can force-open sites and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove InitialPlatform adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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