Removal instructions for the VisualFlexibility adware-type application

What kind of application is VisualFlexibility?

While reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered an advertising-supported software called VisualFlexibility. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. VisualFlexibility adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.

VisualFlexibility adware overview

Adware operates by enabling the placement of advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Note that any genuine products/services encountered through these ads are most likely endorsed in this manner by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether VisualFlexibility displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

We have found many instances of AdLoad apps possessing browser-hijacking functionalities – however, VisualFlexibility adware did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

Furthermore, it is likely that this rogue application has data-tracking abilities. Software within this classification usually targets browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by VisualFlexibility
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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

ProcesserCache, ChipsOverallKind, StandartPartition, ExtendedCommand, and DominantGeneration are just some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.

Software categorized as such usually appears legitimate and ordinary. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "handy" functions. These functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did VisualFlexibility install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent. These adverts are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically looks genuine and harmless. For example, despite their legitimate/innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with ads/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 VisualFlexibility, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove VisualFlexibility adware using Combo Cleaner:

VisualFlexibility adware removal:

Remove VisualFlexibility-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove VisualFlexibility adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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