Removal instructions for the ElectronicInformative adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ElectronicInformative?
Our research team discovered the ElectronicInformative app during a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this application, we learned that it is advertising-support software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ElectronicInformative displays advertisements and may have other harmful abilities.
ElectronicInformative adware overview
Adware generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, surveys, banners, coupons, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
It must be mentioned that advertising-support software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if ElectronicInformative does not display adverts – the app's presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered advertisements mainly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad adware commonly has browser hijacker traits – however, we did not observe these qualities while testing the ElectronicInformative application.
What is more, ElectronicInformative might have data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like ElectronicInformative can cause infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ElectronicInformative |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy), 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-type apps; ServiceCommand, ProgressFunction, and RenewingImprove are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Software categorized as such usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It entices users into download/installation by promising various "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ElectronicInformative install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on deceptive/scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
The bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute adware.
Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ElectronicInformative, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ElectronicInformative adware's installation is over:
ElectronicInformative 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 ElectronicInformative?
- STEP 1. Remove ElectronicInformative related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ElectronicInformative ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ElectronicInformative adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ElectronicInformative ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ElectronicInformative adware using Combo Cleaner:
ElectronicInformative adware removal:
Remove ElectronicInformative-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-displayed adverts typically promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device may result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. Adware tends to have data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types can also generate redirects and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ElectronicInformative adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be ideal. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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