How to eliminate the GridMapper adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is GridMapper?
GridMapper is an application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, we learned that GridMapper is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns and may possess other harmful capabilities.
GridMapper adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Note that certain conditions may be required for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if GridMapper does not deliver adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
The ads displayed by adware commonly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
We have found many AdLoad apps with browser-hijacking functionalities – however, GridMapper did not exhibit these features during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of GridMapper. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like GridMapper on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GridMapper |
| 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
We have examined thousands of adware samples; CacheOperator, OperationRate, and DisplayParameter are merely a couple of our newest finds.
Software within this category typically appears ordinary and innocuous. It can also offer a wide variety of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these features are usually fake and nonoperational – their purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing the adware.
It must be emphasized that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did GridMapper install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements.
Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other third-party sources – increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. This threat is further compounded by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users enter such pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GridMapper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once GridMapper adware's installation is over:
GridMapper 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 GridMapper?
- STEP 1. Remove GridMapper related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GridMapper ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GridMapper adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GridMapper ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GridMapper adware using Combo Cleaner:
GridMapper adware removal:
Remove GridMapper-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?
The presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, browser extensions, services, products, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GridMapper adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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