Removing the NanoData adware-type app and the adverts it displays

What kind of application is NanoData?

During a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered the NanoData app. After examining it, we determined that this application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have other harmful capabilities.

NanoData adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This is typically achieved by displaying adverts (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

However, adware might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific sites not visited, etc.). Regardless of whether NanoData displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.

Adware-delivered ads commonly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the endorsed product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

While AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities – we did not observe these functions while testing the NanoData adware.

Additionally, this rogue app might collect sensitive user data, e.g., browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by NanoData
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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 investigated countless adware-type applications; PracticalUpdater, BitService, FractionView, and WirelessBrowser are merely a few examples.

Software within this classification typically looks legitimate and offers various features. However, these functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational, as their only purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing.

Note that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did NanoData install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional webpages. It is also endorsed by scam sites. Primarily access points to these pages are redirects caused by intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Furthermore, advertising-supported software is distributed using the bundling marketing method – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. The threat of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), and it is compounded by rushing through installations (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

We also advise being vigilant when browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NanoData, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove NanoData adware using Combo Cleaner:

NanoData adware removal:

Remove NanoData-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 system performance. It delivers ads capable of promoting dangerous content, which may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering vulnerable data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, tools, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove NanoData adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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