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Removal instructions for VirtualDocument adware

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

What kind of application is VirtualDocument?

VirtualDocument is a rogue application. Upon inspection, we determined that this piece of software operates as adware. VirtualDocument is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements.

VirtualDocument adware

VirtualDocument adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

Note that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if VirtualDocument does not display adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities – however, VirtualDocument did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and this might apply to VirtualDocument. Data of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like VirtualDocument on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by VirtualDocument
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
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 thousands of adware-type apps; DanceTankFilterAdminConnectedMethod – are merely a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software typically appears genuine and innocuous.

Users can be lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It must be mentioned that functional features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did VirtualDocument install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent upon being clicked.

Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages enter them via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, features, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VirtualDocument, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once VirtualDocument installation is complete

VirtualDocument adware's installation folder:

VirtualDocument 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 VirtualDocument adware using Combo Cleaner:

VirtualDocument adware removal:

Remove VirtualDocument-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open sites and collect sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove VirtualDocument adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal, as various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system after it. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate 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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