How to eliminate ExpandedObject adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ExpandedObject?
ExpandedObject is a rogue app discovered by our researchers during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ExpandedObject operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns.
ExpandedObject adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It may display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content primarily promotes online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ExpandedObject does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
AdLoad adware often possesses browsing-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these qualities while investigating ExpandedObject.
Software within this classification typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the ExpandedObject app. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ExpandedObject on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExpandedObject |
| 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 countless adware-type applications; GridMapper, LoadCoordinator, ObsessionPortal, CacheOperator – are just a few of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Note that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ExpandedObject install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most visitors enter them via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online contact usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExpandedObject, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExpandedObject adware's installation is over:
ExpandedObject 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 ExpandedObject?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedObject related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedObject ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedObject adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedObject ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedObject adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedObject adware removal:
Remove ExpandedObject-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 delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. It can display ads on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedObject adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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