How to remove the AgentInitiator adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AgentInitiator?
Our researchers discovered AgentInitiator while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. AgentInitiator is part of the AdLoad malware family. The application is designed to generate revenue through advertising.
AgentInitiator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. In most cases, it operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Specific conditions may be required for this software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if AgentInitiator does not deliver adverts – it threatens device/user safety.
Adware-displayed ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of the advertisements can perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
While genuine content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. This is most probably undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted products' affiliate programs.
We have found many AdLoad applications with browser hijacker functionalities, but AgentInitiator did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software usually collects vulnerable information, and data tracking might be among AgentInitiator's capabilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like AgentInitiator on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AgentInitiator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-AHU [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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
Unbragging.app, BounceTopics, and ValidNatural are a few of our newest articles on adware. Software within this classification typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of "handy" functions. However, these features are usually fake and nonfunctional, as their only purpose is to serve as bait.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did AgentInitiator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content to infiltrate the device.
Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. These pages are primarily accessed via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open sites).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Once 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 only from official/verified sources. We also advise being cautious when installing by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look legitimate and harmless – they redirect users to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or 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 AgentInitiator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AgentInitiator adware's installation is over:
AgentInitiator 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
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Quick menu:
- What is AgentInitiator?
- STEP 1. Remove AgentInitiator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AgentInitiator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AgentInitiator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AgentInitiator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AgentInitiator adware using Combo Cleaner:
AgentInitiator adware removal:
Remove AgentInitiator-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 displays ads that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually gathers vulnerable data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove AgentInitiator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal. After the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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