How to remove the SimpleNavigation adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SimpleNavigation?
Our researchers discovered the SimpleNavigation application while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
SimpleNavigation adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. Software within this classification enables the placement of third-party graphical content on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Adware-delivered ads endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of them can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that adware may need certain conditions like a compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, or similar to run intrusive advert campaigns. However, regardless of whether SimpleNavigation displays advertisements – its presence threatens device and user safety.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities, although SimpleNavigation did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Furthermore, this adware-type application might have data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like SimpleNavigation can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SimpleNavigation |
| 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 analyzed countless adware-type applications; ElementsPerf, DragResolution, and MultiTaskDesignation are merely a few examples. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers a broad range of "handy" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SimpleNavigation install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – we advise being careful while browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SimpleNavigation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SimpleNavigation adware's installation is over:
SimpleNavigation 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 SimpleNavigation?
- STEP 1. Remove SimpleNavigation related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SimpleNavigation ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SimpleNavigation adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SimpleNavigation ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SimpleNavigation adware using Combo Cleaner:
SimpleNavigation adware removal:
Remove SimpleNavigation-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 advertisements endorse content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware typically collects sensitive information – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also force-open sites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SimpleNavigation adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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