How to remove the GallantBounce adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is GallantBounce?
We discovered the GallantBounce adware-type app while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. This piece of software is part of the AdLoad malware family. GallantBounce runs intrusive ad campaigns, and it may have additional harmful capabilities.
GallantBounce adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on websites and/or other interfaces; this may diminish the browsing experience or system performance.
Note that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). Although regardless of whether GallantBounce delivers advertisements – it remains a threat.
Adware-displayed adverts primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of the ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Keep in mind that any legitimate content encountered through these advertisements is unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Browser-hijacking abilities are common for AdLoad adware, but the GallantBounce app did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually gathers sensitive information, and this might apply to GallantBounce. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like GallantBounce on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GallantBounce |
| 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 examined numerous adware-type applications; FormatConnection, EngineOfflineAlgorithm, and AdminLibrary are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Software categorized as such typically appears genuine and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that operational features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did GallantBounce install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed) with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on deceptive sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GallantBounce, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once GallantBounce adware's installation is over:
GallantBounce 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 GallantBounce?
- STEP 1. Remove GallantBounce related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GallantBounce ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GallantBounce adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GallantBounce ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
GallantBounce adware removal:
Remove GallantBounce-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 ads that endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as adware usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary purpose is to deliver advertisements, which can be placed on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can also generate redirects and collect vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GallantBounce adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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