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How to eliminate the SimpleGrid adware from your Mac

Also Known As: Ads by SimpleGrid
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ 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

We have examined thousands of adware-type applications; TrustedAnalyserSighful.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:

Pop-up displayed once SimpleGrid installation is complete

SimpleGrid adware's installation folder:

SimpleGrid adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove SimpleGrid adware using Combo Cleaner:

SimpleGrid adware removal:

Remove SimpleGrid-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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