How to remove the ManagerObsession adware from your operating system

What kind of application is ManagerObsession?

While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers found the ManagerObsession adware-type application. It is part of the AdLoad malware family. ManagerObsession is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements.

ManagerObsession adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Note that this software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if ManagerObsession does not display advertisements – its presence remains a threat.

Adware-delivered adverts predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some of these ads can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking qualities – however, ManagerObsession did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

In general, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ManagerObsession. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like ManagerObsession may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ManagerObsession
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

We have analyzed countless adware-type apps; MainInitiator, MegaUpgrade, OptimizationList, and MapperWaveTerms are merely a few examples.

Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into downloading/installing the software by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

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

How did ManagerObsession install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

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

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

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

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary/innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove ManagerObsession adware using Combo Cleaner:

ManagerObsession adware removal:

Remove ManagerObsession-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-displayed advertisements promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware typically has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, and other ads) on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can also force-open sites and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting websites, products, software, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ManagerObsession adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system following the adware's (manual) removal. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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