Removing TechWebNavigator adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is TechWebNavigator?
TechWebNavigator is a rogue application that we found during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. TechWebNavigator runs intrusive ad campaigns and may have additional harmful capabilities.
TechWebNavigator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Apps and extensions within this classification enable the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It must be mentioned that certain conditions may be necessary for adware to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Regardless of whether TechWebNavigator displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered advertisements commonly promote online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
We have discovered many instances of AdLoad adware exhibiting browser-hijacking functionalities; however, we did not observe these traits while investigating the TechWebNavigator application.
Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to TechWebNavigator. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This valuable data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like TechWebNavigator on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TechWebNavigator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.ay), 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
HelperFraction, LaserGradualActivity, Araucarian.app, PositiveFocus, TrustedEnumerator – are just some examples of adware we have examined recently.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing the software by promises of various useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did TechWebNavigator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
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 care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TechWebNavigator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the TechWebNavigator adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.TechWebNavigator/TechWebNavigator
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.TechWebNavigatorDaemon/TechWebNavigator
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.TechWebNavigator.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.TechWebNavigatorDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 TechWebNavigator?
- STEP 1. Remove TechWebNavigator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TechWebNavigator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TechWebNavigator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TechWebNavigator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TechWebNavigator adware using Combo Cleaner:
TechWebNavigator adware removal:
Remove TechWebNavigator-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 may decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software delivers advertisements that endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc.). Some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and gathering private information.
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, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TechWebNavigator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating all adware-type applications present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal, as various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system after it. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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