How remove ModernCore adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ModernCore?
Our research team found the ModernCore app during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. ModernCore is part of the AdLoad malware family. This application is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.
ModernCore adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.
Note that software within this classification may require specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc. However, regardless of whether ModernCore delivers adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-displayed ads primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered via these adverts – are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad applications tend to have browser-hijacking abilities, the ModernCore app did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Furthermore, ModernCore might have data-tracking functionalities. Adware usually gathers the following information: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like ModernCore on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ModernCore |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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 analyzed thousands of adware samples; ManagerMaster, MainInitiator, and MegaUpgrade are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that operational functionalities do not serve as irrefutable proof of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did ModernCore install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to distribute adware.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. We also advise being cautious with installation processes, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with 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 ModernCore, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ModernCore adware's installation is over:
ModernCore 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 ModernCore?
- STEP 1. Remove ModernCore related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ModernCore ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ModernCore adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ModernCore ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ModernCore adware using Combo Cleaner:
ModernCore adware removal:
Remove ModernCore-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 displays advertisements that endorse deceptive/dangerous content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually collects private information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ModernCore adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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