Removal instructions for CampaignConclusion adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is CampaignConclusion?
Our researchers discovered the CampaignConclusion app while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. CampaignConclusion is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements.
CampaignConclusion adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, etc.) mainly endorses scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy download/installation upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether CampaignConclusion displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
While AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking capabilities, the CampaignConclusion adware did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for software within this classification. Target data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like CampaignConclusion on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CampaignConclusion |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:DangerousSig [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.28265), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.KUGGIUA), 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. |
Adware examples
We have investigated numerous adware samples; TrustedCompress, ChannelRecord, ElementaryFrame, and SearchSystem are just some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did CampaignConclusion install on my computer?
"Bundling" – the marketing technique that involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used in adware distribution.
The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CampaignConclusion, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CampaignConclusion adware's installation is over:
CampaignConclusion 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 CampaignConclusion?
- STEP 1. Remove CampaignConclusion related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CampaignConclusion ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CampaignConclusion adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CampaignConclusion ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CampaignConclusion adware using Combo Cleaner:
CampaignConclusion adware removal:
Remove CampaignConclusion-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-displayed advertisements endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually collects sensitive data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CampaignConclusion adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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