How to eliminate ExtendedOperation adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ExtendedOperation?
Our research team found the ExtendedOperation rogue app during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website.
After investigating ExtendedOperation, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. The application generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.
ExtendedOperation adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software may display adverts on various interfaces, e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc. The ads primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most likely that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is worth noting that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if ExtendedOperation does not deliver ads – it remains a threat to system integrity and user privacy.
We have found instances of AdLoad adware with browser-hijacking capabilities, but ExtendedOperation did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically collects vulnerable information, and this might apply to ExtendedOperation. Data of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like ExtendedOperation on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExtendedOperation |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), 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 analyzed countless adware-type apps; BounceTopics, RadioDiskInput, AdjustableIndexer, and ChallengeDiscovery are merely a few examples.
Software within this classification tends to look harmless and promise various functionalities. However, these features are usually nonoperational. Yet even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ExtendedOperation install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.
Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. Users mainly enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being cautious while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExtendedOperation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExtendedOperation adware's installation is over:
ExtendedOperation 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 ExtendedOperation?
- STEP 1. Remove ExtendedOperation related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExtendedOperation ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExtendedOperation adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExtendedOperation ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExtendedOperation adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExtendedOperation adware removal:
Remove ExtendedOperation-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 may promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types are also capable of causing redirects and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content (e.g., sites, products, services, software, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExtendedOperation adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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