How to eliminate VisionCoordinator adware from your Mac

What kind of application is VisionCoordinator?

VisionCoordinator is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. VisionCoordinator delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.

VisionCoordinator adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). These ads primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installation.

It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Adware might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether VisionCoordinator delivers ads – it remains a threat to system/user safety.

Browser-hijacking functionalities are common for AdLoad applications – however, VisionCoordinator did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the VisionCoordinator app. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This sensitive information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, software like VisionCoordinator may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by VisionCoordinator
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.f), 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

OfficerValue, Unharmonious.app, StandartSkill, and SystemDesignMarket are merely some examples of adware we have investigated recently.

Software within this category appears ordinary and offers useful functionalities. However, these functions are usually fake and nonoperational – they serve as bait that tricks users into downloading/installing the adware. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates exactly as promised – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did VisionCoordinator install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.

The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. The majority of visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive ads. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read the terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove VisionCoordinator adware using Combo Cleaner:

VisionCoordinator adware removal:

Remove VisionCoordinator-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 can promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Its presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types are also capable of force-opening sites and collecting vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting various sites, products, applications, browser extensions, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove VisionCoordinator adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating all adware-type applications present. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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