Removal instructions for SustainableLot adware and the adverts it delivers

What kind of application is SustainableLot?

SustainableLot is a rogue app discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we learned that SustainableLot is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

SustainableLot adware overview

Adware typically operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.

Note that certain conditions might be necessary for this software to display ads (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether SustainableLot delivers advertisements – its presence on a device threatens system and user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts promote scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers aiming to obtain illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the content's affiliate programs.

We have discovered multiple adware-type apps from the AdLoad group with browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe these traits during SustainableLot's analysis.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually collects private information, and data tracking might be among SustainableLot's capabilities. Targeted data can include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, software like SustainableLot may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SustainableLot
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), 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

StandartServer, VividMode, EnumeratorProgress, and ProcessorSelect are merely some examples of adware we have investigated recently.

Despite the legitimate appearance and promises of useful features made by advertising-supported software – it seldom operates as indicated by its promotional material. Yet even if an application or a browser extension works as advertised – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did SustainableLot install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.

Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. Users mainly access such webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading from official and verified channels.

Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, features, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look innocuous – yet they redirect users to unreliable and dubious sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SustainableLot, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove SustainableLot adware using Combo Cleaner:

SustainableLot adware removal:

Remove SustainableLot-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-delivered advertisements promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting various sites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SustainableLot adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system – after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. The remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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