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How to eliminate ExpandedObject adware from the operating system

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

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ 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 countless adware-type applications; GridMapperLoadCoordinatorObsessionPortal, 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:

Pop-up displayed once ExpandedObject installation is complete

ExpandedObject adware's installation folder:

ExpandedObject 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 ExpandedObject adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExpandedObject adware removal:

Remove ExpandedObject-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 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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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.

QR Code
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