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Removing AccessibleTool adware from the operating system

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

What kind of application is AccessibleTool?

AccessibleTool is an adware-type application. Our research team found it during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This app belongs to the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful abilities.

AccessibleTool adware

AccessibleTool adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements. This software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

It is pertinent to mention that adware might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if AccessibleTool does not display ads – it remains a threat to device and user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

While we have found many instances of AdLoad adware possessing browser-hijacking functionalities, AccessibleTool did not exhibit these traits during testing.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the AccessibleTool app. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, software like AccessibleTool may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AccessibleTool
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.G), 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

We have investigated countless adware-type apps; CreatePremium, Conquerable.app, Unorthodoxly.app, Fearful.app, ApplicationKey – are just some examples.

Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious. It tends to look useful and offer a wide variety of functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did AccessibleTool install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

"Bundling" – the marketing technique of packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used in adware distribution.

Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware ad free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AccessibleTool, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once AccessibleTool installation is complete

AccessibleTool adware's installation folder:

AccessibleTool 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 AccessibleTool adware using Combo Cleaner:

AccessibleTool adware removal:

Remove AccessibleTool-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?

The presence of adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually collects vulnerable information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, etc. Additionally, some adware types can force-open sites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AccessibleTool adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications present. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective, as after it – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated 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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