How to remove OriginalNavigation adware and the adverts it displays

What kind of application is OriginalNavigation?

OriginalNavigation is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis revealed that this app is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. OriginalNavigation operates by running intrusive ad campaigns and may have additional harmful capabilities.

OriginalNavigation adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically displays third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

Adware-delivered advertisements primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Upon being clicked, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is worth mentioning that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Even if OriginalNavigation does not display advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.

AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe them while testing the OriginalNavigation adware.

Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OriginalNavigation
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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

PublicUpdater, QuanticFit, PublicSystem, and OverallHelpDesk are merely some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.

Software categorized as such typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Keep in mind that functional features do not serve as the definitive indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did OriginalNavigation install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is commonly used to proliferate adware.

Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on deceptive/scam sites. Users mainly access these pages via redirects generated by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Furthermore, intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations. Content spread in this manner includes advertising-supported software.

How to avoid installation of adware?

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

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

Should you keep encountering ads/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 OriginalNavigation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove OriginalNavigation adware using Combo Cleaner:

OriginalNavigation adware removal:

Remove OriginalNavigation-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 advertising-supported software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays adverts that promote content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove OriginalNavigation adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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