Removing ExploreFast adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ExploreFast?
Our research team found the ExploreFast app while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing ExploreFast, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, we learned that this application is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ExploreFast adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, banners, etc.) may be displayed on various interfaces.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether ExploreFast displays adverts – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
The advertisements delivered by adware commonly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking qualities – we did not observe these functionalities while examining ExploreFast.
Additionally, this rogue application likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like ExploreFast on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExploreFast |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:PuAgent-H [PUP]), Combo Cleaner (Application.Generic.3591146), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.A), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), 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
VisualFlexibility, InitialEngine, ProcesserCache, ChipsOverallKind, and DominantGeneration are just some examples of adware-type apps we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users may be lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of various features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
It must be mentioned that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.
How did ExploreFast install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped sections, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, investigating available options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExploreFast, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExploreFast adware's installation is over:
ExploreFast 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 ExploreFast?
- STEP 1. Remove ExploreFast related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExploreFast ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExploreFast adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExploreFast ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExploreFast adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExploreFast adware removal:
Remove ExploreFast-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExploreFast adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Additionally, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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