Removal instructions for the VectorGallery adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is VectorGallery?
VectorGallery is an application that we found while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon inspection, we determined that this app is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. VectorGallery operates by delivering intrusive advert campaigns.
VectorGallery adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on various interfaces. Note that this software might require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether VectorGallery delivers advertisements – it endangers device integrity and user safety.
Adware-displayed ads predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content may be encountered through these advertisements – it is highly unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While VectorGallery did not exhibit browser-hijacking abilities during our analysis, this app might have them as they are standard for AdLoad adware.
Furthermore, VectorGallery might have data-tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following information: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, 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.
In summary, the presence of software like VectorGallery on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VectorGallery |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [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.Searchpr), 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
OperationNetwork, HitchSpace, and KeyboardVirtual are but a couple examples of the adware we have examined recently. Advertising-supported software rarely looks suspicious; it tends to appear legitimate and harmless. It can also offer a wide variety of "handy" functionalities, which are usually nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did VectorGallery install on my computer?
Adware is commonly promoted on legitimate-looking and scam webpages. Most visitors access them via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into devices is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VectorGallery, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VectorGallery adware's installation is over:
VectorGallery 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 VectorGallery?
- STEP 1. Remove VectorGallery related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VectorGallery ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VectorGallery adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VectorGallery ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VectorGallery adware using Combo Cleaner:
VectorGallery adware removal:
Remove VectorGallery-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?
The content promoted through adware-delivered advertisements may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also classed as a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the revenue comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VectorGallery adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware-type applications detected. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. Since even after the software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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