How to eliminate the EscapeUpdate adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is EscapeUpdate?
Our researchers discovered the EscapeUpdate app during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. EscapeUpdate operates by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements.
EscapeUpdate adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It is pertinent to mention that adware may need certain conditions to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, even if EscapeUpdate does not deliver adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities, although EscapeUpdate did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Additionally, this adware-type application likely collects private data. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like EscapeUpdate on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EscapeUpdate |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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; BootEfficient, PersonalProsper, and VideoDefault are just a few of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software typically appears harmless and offers various "handy" functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did EscapeUpdate install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Users mainly access such pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EscapeUpdate, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EscapeUpdate adware's installation is over:
EscapeUpdate 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 EscapeUpdate?
- STEP 1. Remove EscapeUpdate related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EscapeUpdate ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EscapeUpdate adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EscapeUpdate ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EscapeUpdate adware using Combo Cleaner:
EscapeUpdate adware removal:
Remove EscapeUpdate-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 displays ads that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects and gathering vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing various websites, applications, extensions, products, services, and other content. The majority of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EscapeUpdate adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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