Removal instructions for the UpperTheory adware-type app

What kind of application is UpperTheory?

While reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered the UpperTheory application. We determined that it is advertising-supporting software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns.

UpperTheory adware overview

Adware delivers intrusive ad campaigns by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.

These advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Note that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to display advertisements (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether UpperTheory delivers ads – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe these functionalities while investigating UpperTheory.

Adware usually gathers private information, and this might apply to the UpperTheory app. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like UpperTheory on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by UpperTheory
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27740), 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 examined numerous adware samples; LogFormula, GraphicsReviewScript, and HardDriveQueryWave are merely a couple of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into downloading/installing the software by promises of various handy functionalities, which are rarely operational.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did UpperTheory install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is likewise proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their legitimate/harmless appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with UpperTheory, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove UpperTheory adware using Combo Cleaner:

UpperTheory adware removal:

Remove UpperTheory-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-delivered adverts commonly promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting a wide variety of content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove UpperTheory adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion