How to eliminate VirtualBalance adware from your Mac

What kind of application is VirtualBalance?

Our research team discovered the VirtualBalance application while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. VirtualBalance is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app generates revenue for its designers by feeding users with unwanted/deceptive ads.

VirtualBalance adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.

The adverts primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine products/services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Certain conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether VirtualBalance displays ads – its presence remains a threat.

While AdLoad applications tend to have browser-hijacking functionalities, VirtualBalance did not exhibit said traits during our analysis.

Furthermore, this adware-type app likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by VirtualBalance
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. ▼ 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 inspected countless adware-type applications; UpperTheory, LogFormula, GraphicsReviewScript, KeySection, and HostingValues are just some examples.

While advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful functionalities – it seldom works as promised. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did VirtualBalance install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used in adware distribution.

Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, adware is promoted on its "official" download pages and scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, sites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove VirtualBalance adware using Combo Cleaner:

VirtualBalance adware removal:

Remove VirtualBalance-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 endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some adware types are capable of generating redirects and collecting sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove VirtualBalance adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, various components (files) remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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