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Removing the AdvancedEntry adware-type application from your Mac

Also Known As: Ads by AdvancedEntry
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is AdvancedEntry?

Our research team discovered AdvancedEntry while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. AdvancedEntry generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially harmful adverts.

AdvancedEntry adware

AdvancedEntry adware overview

Software within the adware classification displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

The delivered advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of them can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated by acquiring illegitimate commissions from the content's affiliate programs.

Advertising-supported software might require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether AdvancedEntry displays ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker functionalities – however, we did not observe these abilities while examining AdvancedEntry.

What is more, this rogue app likely collects sensitive information, as data tracking is standard for adware. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like AdvancedEntry on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AdvancedEntry
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Adware examples

DomainQuantityUpgradeSectionInterfaceComputingEditExecute, and ObjectBuffer are some examples of adware we have investigated recently.

Advertising-supported software seldom appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look genuine and innocuous. It can also offer various functionalities to entice users into downloading/installing. However, these features are usually nonfunctional.

Keep in mind that even if the promised functionalities operate as indicated by the promotional material – that does not guarantee the software's legitimacy or safety.

How did AdvancedEntry install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Visitors primarily access these webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering ads/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 AdvancedEntry, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once AdvancedEntry adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once AdvancedEntry installation is complete

AdvancedEntry adware's installation folder:

AdvancedEntry adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove AdvancedEntry adware using Combo Cleaner:

AdvancedEntry adware removal:

Remove AdvancedEntry-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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-displayed adverts endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is classed as a privacy threat since it usually gathers sensitive data.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AdvancedEntry adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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