Removal instructions for the KeyboardVirtual adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is KeyboardVirtual?
While reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team discovered the KeyboardVirtual application. Our analysis of this piece of software revealed that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. KeyboardVirtual runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.
KeyboardVirtual adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Intrusive adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Although even if adware (KeyboardVirtual, etc.) does not display adverts – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker functionalities, we did not observe these traits while testing KeyboardVirtual.
What is more, this adware-type application likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like KeyboardVirtual on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by KeyboardVirtual |
| 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.Searchprox), 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
SimpleNavigation, ElementsPerf, DragResolution, and LogOffNode are merely some examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing it by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions are rarely operational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software functions are indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did KeyboardVirtual install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The danger of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also be promoted on legitimate-looking and scam sites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Upon being clicked, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with KeyboardVirtual, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once KeyboardVirtual adware's installation is over:
KeyboardVirtual 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 KeyboardVirtual?
- STEP 1. Remove KeyboardVirtual related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove KeyboardVirtual ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove KeyboardVirtual adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove KeyboardVirtual ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove KeyboardVirtual adware using Combo Cleaner:
KeyboardVirtual adware removal:
Remove KeyboardVirtual-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 ads can endorse content capable of causing serious problems, including system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly via 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 KeyboardVirtual adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps present. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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