How to remove the EssentialManager adware from your Mac

What kind of application is EssentialManager?

EssentialManager is the name of a rogue application that we discovered during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal.

After inspecting this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. EssentialManager is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

EssentialManager adware overview

Adware typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces. The delivered advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Upon being clicked, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

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

Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet even if EssentialManager does not deliver advertisements – this app's presence on a system remains a threat.

AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking abilities – however, EssentialManager did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

Furthermore, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of EssentialManager. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like EssentialManager may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by EssentialManager
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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

UltraApplication, ReferCyberspace, and ProductCommand are merely a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Software within this category rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless.

Adware can also offer a broad range of "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be emphasized that operational features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did EssentialManager install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent – upon being clicked. These adverts are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam websites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Another recommendation is to be careful when installing software, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, we advise caution when browsing. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialManager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove EssentialManager adware using Combo Cleaner:

EssentialManager adware removal:

Remove EssentialManager-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-displayed adverts promote harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, it is considered to be a privacy threat since adware typically collects sensitive data.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialManager adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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