How to eliminate the PerfectSave adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PerfectSave?
Our researchers discovered PerfectSave during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. PerfectSave operates by feeding users undesirable and deceptive advertisements.
PerfectSave adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
It is pertinent to mention that this software might require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if PerfectSave does not deliver adverts – its presence endangers device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is worth mentioning that any legitimate products or services encountered through these adverts – are unlikely to be endorsed 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.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking qualities – however, PerfectSave did not exhibit these functionalities during our analysis.
Adware usually gathers sensitive information, and this might be true of PerfectSave. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like PerfectSave on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PerfectSave |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CA [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 investigated thousands of adware-type apps; OverallHelpDesk, PositiveConnectivity, and PortalServer are just a few examples.
Software within this category usually appears genuine and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that operational functionalities do not serve as a definitive indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did PerfectSave install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
We advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PerfectSave, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PerfectSave adware's installation is over:
PerfectSave 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 PerfectSave?
- STEP 1. Remove PerfectSave related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PerfectSave ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PerfectSave adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PerfectSave ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PerfectSave adware using Combo Cleaner:
PerfectSave adware removal:
Remove PerfectSave-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?
The presence of adware on a device can result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. This software delivers ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Additionally, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PerfectSave adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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