How to remove the EssentialConfig adware from your Mac

What kind of application is EssentialConfig?

EssentialConfig is an application that our researchers discovered during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. EssentialConfig is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.

EssentialConfig adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, software within this classification enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

It is pertinent to mention that adware might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether EssentialConfig displays ads – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

The advertisements delivered by adware can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that while genuine products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these traits while testing the EssentialConfig adware.

Additionally, this rogue app likely collects sensitive information. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following data: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like EssentialConfig on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by EssentialConfig
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. ▼ 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

OnlineResults, LogarithmicChannel, CreativeManager, and ExpandedObject are just some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities. However, these functions are usually nonoperational. It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension works as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did EssentialConfig install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialConfig, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove EssentialConfig adware using Combo Cleaner:

EssentialConfig adware removal:

Remove EssentialConfig-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 performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since it typically gathers vulnerable information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialConfig adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion