How to eliminate the CompanyOperating adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is CompanyOperating?
CompanyOperating is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal. Following our analysis, we have determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). It is also part of the AdLoad malware family.
CompanyOperating adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
Note that this software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if it does not operate as intended – that does not diminish the threat that adware poses.
Advertising-supported software delivers advertisements that promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad apps may have browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe these abilities while testing CompanyOperating.
This rogue application likely collects private information, as data tracking is standard for adware. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like CompanyOperating on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CompanyOperating |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CA [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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 investigated countless adware-type apps; SkilledValue, UpgradeIndex, and QueueWindow are just a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software can appear legitimate and offer a broad range of "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did CompanyOperating install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly enter these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs as well. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps/sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
Since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless – we strongly advise being vigilant while browsing. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CompanyOperating, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CompanyOperating adware's installation is over:
CompanyOperating 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 CompanyOperating?
- STEP 1. Remove CompanyOperating related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CompanyOperating ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CompanyOperating adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CompanyOperating ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CompanyOperating adware using Combo Cleaner:
CompanyOperating adware removal:
Remove CompanyOperating-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 displays ads that can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. What is more, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CompanyOperating adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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