Removal instructions for ControlMethod adware and the ads it displays

What kind of application is ControlMethod?

While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team found the ControlMethod application. Our examination revealed that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ControlMethod operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.

ControlMethod adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the category implies, this software generates revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, adware displays ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, surveys, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

These advertisements commonly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely motivated by obtaining illegitimate commissions through abuse of the promoted content's affiliate programs.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites not visited, etc. Regardless of whether ControlMethod displays ads – this app's presence on a device endangers system and user safety.

We have found many instances of AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past – however, ControlMethod did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Additionally, this adware-type app likely has data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for software within this classification. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, adware like ControlMethod may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ControlMethod
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

MasterProject, DockBuffer, ExecutiveSync, and Majorlibrary are but a few examples of adware-type applications we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software typically appears harmless and offers "handy" functionalities. However, it seldom operates as promised; its features usually serve the purpose of bait that lures users into downloading/installing.

It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did ControlMethod install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. These pages are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

The bundling marketing technique, which entails packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software.

Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped sections, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content to infiltrate the device.

Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. It is essential to treat installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering 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 ControlMethod, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ControlMethod adware using Combo Cleaner:

ControlMethod adware removal:

Remove ControlMethod-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 advertisements promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is deemed to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually possesses data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can generate redirects and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, products, software, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ControlMethod adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.

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