Removing the TaskElement adware-type application

What kind of application is TaskElement?

TaskElement is yet another adware-type app from the AdLoad malware family. Our researchers discovered this application during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

TaskElement adware overview

Adware typically operates by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads. The third-party graphical content (e.g., banners, coupons, overlays, pop-ups, surveys, etc.) can be displayed on various interfaces.

However, advertising-supported software might not work as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if TaskElement does not deliver advertisements – it is a threat to device integrity and user privacy.

These adverts commonly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, etc.), and even malware. Some of the ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It must be mentioned that any genuine products/services encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities – however, TaskElement did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the TaskElement app. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like TaskElement on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by TaskElement
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; UniversalAssist, FocusStill, and IntegerSky are merely a couple of examples. Software within this classification rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.

Users may be enticed to download/install adware by promises of "handy" features. However, these functions are usually fake and nonoperational, as their only purpose is to serve as bait. Remember that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did TaskElement install on my computer?

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

Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources – increases the risk of bundled content infiltrating the device. This threat is further compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing downloads/installations without user consent upon being clicked. These advertisements are also utilized in adware distribution.

Additionally, advertising-supported software is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are predominantly accessed via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect users to unreliable and dubious sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove TaskElement adware using Combo Cleaner:

TaskElement adware removal:

Remove TaskElement-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 adverts can promote content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, adware is classed as a threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can generate redirects and gather sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove TaskElement adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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