How to remove the FilterAdmin adware from your Mac

What kind of application is FilterAdmin?

Our researchers discovered the FilterAdmin application while checking out new file submissions to VirusTotal. Upon inspection, we learned that FilterAdmin is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This app delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.

FilterAdmin adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) can be displayed on various interfaces.

The ads primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some of them can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Software within this classification might need specific conditions to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if FilterAdmin does not display advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.

We have found many instances of AdLoad apps exhibiting browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these qualities during our investigation of FilterAdmin.

Adware usually has data-tracking abilities, and this is likely true of the FilterAdmin application. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like FilterAdmin on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by FilterAdmin
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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. ▼ 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 examined countless adware-type apps; ConnectedMethod, DefaultPositive, SimpleIntegration, FileInterface – are just a few of our latest finds.

While software within this category usually appears legitimate and offers handy features – it seldom operates as promised. However, 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 FilterAdmin install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware.

The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources. The risk is compounded by treating installations with negligence, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

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

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

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

FilterAdmin 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 FilterAdmin?
• STEP 1. Remove FilterAdmin related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove FilterAdmin ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove FilterAdmin adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove FilterAdmin ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove FilterAdmin adware using Combo Cleaner:

FilterAdmin adware removal:

Remove FilterAdmin-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 displays ads that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware typically collects private information – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can also generate redirects and gather sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by endorsing content (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove FilterAdmin adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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