Removal instructions for ExtendedModule adware and the ads it displays

What kind of application is ExtendedModule?

ExtendedModule is a rogue application we discovered while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After checking out this software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ExtendedModule is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements.

ExtendedModule adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others. It must be mentioned that this software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether ExtendedModule delivers advertisements – it poses a threat to device/user safety.

Ads displayed by adware can endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

While legitimate products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Additionally, while we have found many AdLoad apps with browser-hijacking abilities in the past, ExtendedModule did not exhibit these traits during testing.

Adware usually gathers private information, and this might be true of the ExtendedModule app. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like ExtendedModule can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ExtendedModule
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), 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

MatrixObsession, LocalAdmin, and GlobalAppSearch are merely a couple examples of our newest articles on adware. This software looks legitimate and offers various functionalities. Despite this harmless appearance, it seldom operates as promised.

Adware's "handy" and "advantageous" functions are typically just bait to lure users into downloading/installing. Remember that even if an app or a browser extension works as described in its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did ExtendedModule install on my computer?

Adware is distributed by being bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content to infiltrate the device.

Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. They are most commonly accessed via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware.

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive ads. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove ExtendedModule adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExtendedModule adware removal:

Remove ExtendedModule-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?

The presence of adware may decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software delivers advertisements that may endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware is also considered a threat to user privacy, as it usually collects sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware can display ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). It may also be 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. The majority of the profit is made via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExtendedModule adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. These components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion