Removal instructions for the InputSync adware-type application

What kind of application is InputSync?

While checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team discovered InputSync. Upon inspection, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. InputSync is designed to feed users with undesirable and potentially dangerous advertisements.

InputSync adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.

It is worth mentioning that this software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether InputSync displays adverts – it remains a threat to system integrity and user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements can endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. This promotion is most likely motivated by acquiring illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

While we have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking abilities in the past, InputSync did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the InputSync app. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like InputSync on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by InputSync
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.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

We have examined countless adware-type applications; PracticalUpdater, FractionView, and TerabyteLogoff are just a couple of our newest articles on this software.

Adware usually appears ordinary and innocuous. It may also offer a wide variety of "handy" functions. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did InputSync install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.

Downloading from freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other untrustworthy sources – increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device. This threat is further compounded by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. They are mainly accessed via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive ads. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove InputSync adware using Combo Cleaner:

InputSync adware removal:

Remove InputSync-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-delivered advertisements promote harmful content that may cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, privacy issues, etc.). The software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it is considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove InputSync adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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