Removal instructions for UsualAccess adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is UsualAccess?
Our researchers found the UsualAccess adware while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. UsualAccess is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.
UsualAccess adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.
Note that adware might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether UsualAccess delivers ads – it endangers device integrity and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While we have found many instances of AdLoad adware-type apps with browser hijacker abilities, UsualAccess did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software typically collects sensitive information, and this might apply to UsualAccess. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like UsualAccess on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by UsualAccess |
| 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. |
Adware examples
EngineRotator, ReviewWebpageClick, and AlgorithmDrop are merely a couple examples of adware we have inspected recently. Applications and extensions within this classification usually appear legitimate and harmless. They can also offer a wide variety of "handy" functionalities, which are rarely operational.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did UsualAccess install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages through redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., use "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, investigate available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary applications, extensions, 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, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with UsualAccess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once UsualAccess adware's installation is over:
UsualAccess 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
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Quick menu:
- What is UsualAccess?
- STEP 1. Remove UsualAccess related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UsualAccess ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UsualAccess adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UsualAccess ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UsualAccess adware using Combo Cleaner:
UsualAccess adware removal:
Remove UsualAccess-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 content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some adware types also generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove UsualAccess adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware and other unwanted software must be removed thoroughly.
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