How to eliminate the AdjustableIndexer adware-type application

What kind of application is AdjustableIndexer?

Our researchers discovered the AdjustableIndexer application while checking out new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this app, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. AdjustableIndexer operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and it may have other harmful abilities.

AdjustableIndexer adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, and other ads) on various interfaces.

Specific conditions may be required for adware to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if AdjustableIndexer does not deliver adverts – it remains a danger to device and user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

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

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities; however, AdjustableIndexer did not exhibit these abilities during our analysis.

Furthermore, this adware-type app likely collects private information. Adware usually targets browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like AdjustableIndexer on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AdjustableIndexer
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 thousands of adware-type applications; QuestDevice, DisplayEscape, AnalyzerProgram, TrustedCompress, ChannelRecord – are merely some examples.

Software within this category usually appears ordinary and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of advantageous functionalities, which are rarely operational. Keep in mind that functional features do not guarantee that an app or a browser extension is legitimate and harmless.

How did AdjustableIndexer install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed via scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages through redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore available options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, and so forth.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove AdjustableIndexer adware using Combo Cleaner:

AdjustableIndexer adware removal:

Remove AdjustableIndexer-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 adverts that commonly promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also classed as a privacy threat since it usually gathers private information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can also force-open webpages and collect sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, software, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AdjustableIndexer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.

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