Removal instructions for the BrowserElement adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is BrowserElement?
Our researchers discovered the BrowserElement adware-type app while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. BrowserElement is designed to feed users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements.
BrowserElement adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive advert campaigns. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) primarily endorses online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of the ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by any 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 can also need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). Even if BrowserElement does not display advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking functionalities, although we did not observe these qualities while testing the BrowserElement adware.
Furthermore, BrowserElement might have data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for adware. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like BrowserElement on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BrowserElement |
| 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.G), 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 analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; KeyboardVirtual, SimpleNavigation, ElementsPerf, and ActivityConsole are merely a few examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It also offers a broad range of "handy" functionalities, which are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did BrowserElement install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread using the bundling technique – regular program installers packed with unwanted/malicious additions.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the systems.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to research software and download only from official/verified sources. Additionally, all installations must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BrowserElement, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BrowserElement adware's installation is over:
BrowserElement 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 BrowserElement?
- STEP 1. Remove BrowserElement related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BrowserElement ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BrowserElement adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BrowserElement ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BrowserElement adware using Combo Cleaner:
BrowserElement adware removal:
Remove BrowserElement-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers ads that promote deceptive/harmful content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BrowserElement adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even following the adware's manual removal – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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