Removal instructions for the ReserveBroadband adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ReserveBroadband?
ReserveBroadband is a rogue application that we discovered while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform.
Our inspection of this app revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ReserveBroadband operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have other harmful capabilities.
ReserveBroadband adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive ads. This third-party graphical content is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The advertisements predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Some of these adverts can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Software within this classification might not run intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific sites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether ReserveBroadband delivers advertisements – it endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad apps may have browser-hijacking abilities – but we did not observe these functionalities while investing the ReserveBroadband adware.
This rogue application might gather private user information. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following data: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, software like ReserveBroadband may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by ReserveBroadband |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined thousands of adware-type applications; ProjectorDigital, ResearchRise, ProgressLauncher – are just a few examples.
Advertising-supported software rarely looks suspicious. It tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing the software by promises of various "useful" features. However, these functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ReserveBroadband install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. We also advise being careful while installing content, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears ordinary and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look legitimate/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ReserveBroadband, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ReserveBroadband adware's installation is over:
ReserveBroadband 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ReserveBroadband?
- STEP 1. Remove ReserveBroadband related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ReserveBroadband ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ReserveBroadband adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ReserveBroadband ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ReserveBroadband adware using Combo Cleaner:
ReserveBroadband adware removal:
Remove ReserveBroadband-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 promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as adware usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can enable the placement of adverts on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ReserveBroadband adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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