Removal instructions for the ElementAnalyzer adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ElementAnalyzer?
While investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site, our research team discovered the ElementAnalyzer application. Our examination revealed that this piece of software is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
ElementAnalyzer adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These ads endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Upon being clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these adverts – they 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 in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites not visited, or others. However, regardless of whether ElementAnalyzer displays advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device integrity/user safety.
Furthermore, AdLoad applications tend to have browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these traits while researching ElementAnalyzer.
What is more, adware typically has data-tracking abilities, and ElementAnalyzer might have them as well. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ElementAnalyzer on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ElementAnalyzer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), 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 inspected countless adware-type apps; WebSearchHelp, TechnologyPersonal, VirtualSupplies, and TechShack are merely some examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers handy features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ElementAnalyzer install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplements (e.g., 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 advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ElementAnalyzer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ElementAnalyzer adware's installation is over:
ElementAnalyzer 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 ElementAnalyzer?
- STEP 1. Remove ElementAnalyzer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ElementAnalyzer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ElementAnalyzer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ElementAnalyzer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ElementAnalyzer adware using Combo Cleaner:
ElementAnalyzer adware removal:
Remove ElementAnalyzer-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-delivered advertisements promote deceptive/dangerous content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ElementAnalyzer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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