How to eliminate the ControlDivision adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ControlDivision?
Our researchers found the ControlDivision app while investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon analysis, we found that this application is adware. It is also part of the AdLoad malware family. ControlDivision is designed to generate revenue through advertising.
ControlDivision adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces, such as visited sites, desktops, or others. This third-party graphical content can endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
While genuine content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Software within this classification might not operate as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Even if ControlDivision does not display adverts – it endangers device and user safety nonetheless.
While we have found many AdLoad adware-type apps with browser hijacker traits in the past, ControlDivision did not exhibit these functionalities during our analysis.
What is more, ControlDivision likely has data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like ControlDivision may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ControlDivision |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), 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. |
Adware examples
CoordinatorSkill, AdvancedManager, and InputRecord are just a couple examples of adware we have examined recently. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous.
Users may be enticed to download/install it by promises of various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software has functional features – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did ControlDivision install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. The threat of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is 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 strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise studying terms and options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, tools, features, extensions, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ControlDivision, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ControlDivision adware's installation is over:
ControlDivision 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 ControlDivision?
- STEP 1. Remove ControlDivision related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ControlDivision ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ControlDivision adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ControlDivision ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ControlDivision adware using Combo Cleaner:
ControlDivision adware removal:
Remove ControlDivision-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 content potentially capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also classed as a privacy threat, as adware typically collects vulnerable user information.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue through advertising. This is typically achieved by displaying advertisements on various interfaces, causing redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the revenue is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ControlDivision adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications that are installed. Remember that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Additionally, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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