How to remove UpgradeIndex adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is UpgradeIndex?
Our research team found the UpgradeIndex app while checking out submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Following our analysis, we determined that UpgradeIndex is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This application is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, and it may have other harmful capabilities.
UpgradeIndex adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, such as visited sites, desktops, or others. These advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Once clicked on, some of them can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Regardless of whether adware displays advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat to device integrity and user safety. This software might require specific conditions to operate as designed, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, and so on.
AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker capabilities – however, UpgradeIndex did not exhibit these traits during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually gathers private data, and this might apply to the UpgradeIndex app. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like UpgradeIndex on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by UpgradeIndex |
| 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
OptimizationFlex, QueueWindow, NanoSet, and VectorGallery are merely some examples of adware we have investigated recently.
Software within this classification seldom appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Adware can also offer a wide variety of "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational – they serve as bait that tricks users into downloading/installing the software.
Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did UpgradeIndex install on my computer?
"Bundling" – the marketing tactic involving ordinary program installers packed with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to proliferate adware.
The threat of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking and scam webpages. Most visitors to these sites access them via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with UpgradeIndex, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once UpgradeIndex adware's installation is over:
UpgradeIndex 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 UpgradeIndex?
- STEP 1. Remove UpgradeIndex related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UpgradeIndex ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UpgradeIndex adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UpgradeIndex ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UpgradeIndex adware using Combo Cleaner:
UpgradeIndex adware removal:
Remove UpgradeIndex-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 presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – 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 adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove UpgradeIndex adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough removal is paramount.
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