How to eliminate the SimpleGrid adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SimpleGrid?
Our research team discovered the SimpleGrid during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. SimpleGrid belongs to the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
SimpleGrid adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others. It must be mentioned that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if SimpleGrid does not deliver intrusive advert campaigns – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications may have browser hijacker abilities – however, we did not observe these traits while analyzing the SimpleGrid adware.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually gathers private data, and this might apply to SimpleGrid. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like SimpleGrid on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SimpleGrid |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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 examined thousands of adware-type applications; TrustedAnalyser, Sighful.app, Skat.app, PlatformIndex, and Catbird.app are but a few examples of our newest finds.
Adware usually appears ordinary/harmless and offers useful functionalities. The functions tend to be merely bait to lure users into downloading/installing the software, as they are rarely operational.
It must be emphasized that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SimpleGrid install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), and it is further compounded by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed via scam sites. Most users access such pages through redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. We recommend being careful when installing, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SimpleGrid, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SimpleGrid adware's installation is over:
SimpleGrid 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 SimpleGrid?
- STEP 1. Remove SimpleGrid related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SimpleGrid ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SimpleGrid adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SimpleGrid ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SimpleGrid adware using Combo Cleaner:
SimpleGrid adware removal:
Remove SimpleGrid-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. This software displays ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types are capable of generating redirects and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting websites, software, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SimpleGrid adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, after the software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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