Removal instructions for VirtualRotator adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is VirtualRotator?
Our research team found the VirtualRotator app while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After our analysis, we determined that VirtualRotator is adware from the AdLoad malware family. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
VirtualRotator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. In most cases, adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These adverts predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered through these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might require certain conditions to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, even if VirtualRotator does not display adverts – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
We have discovered many instances of AdLoad adware with browser hijacker abilities, but we did not observe these functionalities while examining the VirtualRotator application.
Advertising-supported software usually gathers sensitive information, and VirtualRotator might also have such a feature. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like VirtualRotator on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VirtualRotator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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
ConnectedChannel, AnalyzeService, StandartServer, and VividMode are merely a few examples of adware we have investigated. Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary/harmless and offers a broad range of useful functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did VirtualRotator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look legitimate/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VirtualRotator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VirtualRotator adware's installation is over:
VirtualRotator 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 VirtualRotator?
- STEP 1. Remove VirtualRotator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VirtualRotator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VirtualRotator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VirtualRotator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VirtualRotator adware using Combo Cleaner:
VirtualRotator adware removal:
Remove VirtualRotator-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software is also classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially dangerous advertisements. It enables the placement of this third-party graphical content on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove VirtualRotator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, thorough adware removal is paramount.
Outstanding!
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