How to remove the ManagerMaster adware-type application from your Mac

What kind of application is ManagerMaster?

Our research team discovered the ManagerMaster app during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ManagerMaster operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns.

ManagerMaster adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited webpages and/or other interfaces.

These advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Upon being clicked, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is noteworthy that any legitimate products/services encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other 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 not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific websites not visited, etc.). Even if ManagerMaster does not display advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

While AdLoad apps often have browser hijacker abilities, we did not observe these functionalities while examining ManagerMaster.

Since adware usually collects private information, data tracking might be among ManagerMaster's capabilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on.

In summary, advertising-supported software like ManagerMaster may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and lead to identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ManagerMaster
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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

ManagerObsession, MainInitiator, OptimizationList, LoadInvolveOpen, LeadChange, and PositivePlatform are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.

Software within this category usually appears legitimate/ordinary and offers a broad range of "useful" functions. In most cases, these features are fake and nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did ManagerMaster install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. The majority of visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements directly proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).

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

In case of continuous encounters with adverts 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 ManagerMaster, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ManagerMaster adware using Combo Cleaner:

ManagerMaster adware removal:

Remove ManagerMaster-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 ads commonly endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, force-opening sites, and collecting vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ManagerMaster adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion