How to remove AgentUpdater from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AgentUpdater?
During our assessment, it has come to light that AgentUpdater presents users with intrusive and frequently deceptive advertisements, categorizing the application as adware. Apart from displaying unwanted ads, applications like AgentUpdater may also be programmed to collect specific information. It is recommended to uninstall AgentUpdater from affected devices.
AgentUpdater adware in detail
AgentUpdater, as a dubious adware-type application, may display a variety of advertisements to users, ranging from coupons, pop-ups and banners to sponsored links and in-text ads. These advertisements could promote questionable products, dubious services, or even fraudulent schemes. Given the nature of adware, these ads can be intrusive and deceptive.
For instance, users may be led to fake software download sites offering malicious programs disguised as legitimate software updates or applications. Additionally, they might land on phishing websites masquerading as reputable brands or financial institutions, aiming to trick users into disclosing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data.
Furthermore, these advertisements could lead users to websites hosting malware, including viruses, ransomware, or spyware. Clicking on these ads could inadvertently trigger the download and installation of harmful software onto users' devices.
In some cases, these shady ads may also direct users to scam websites promoting fraudulent offers, such as fake lotteries or surveys, prize giveaways, or other schemes. These schemes are designed to deceive users into parting with their money or personal information under false pretenses, resulting in financial loss or identity theft.
Overall, the advertisements displayed by AgentUpdater pose various risks to users. Another reason not to trust this app is the potential data gathering. It may collect behavioral data, browsing history, search queries, and device information. This data could be exploited for targeted advertising or sold to third-party advertisers without users' consent.
Sometimes, such apps can access sensitive information like credit card details and passwords. Thus, if AgentUpdater or a similar app is installed on a computer, it should be removed immediately.
Name | Ads by AgentUpdater |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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. |
Conclusion
In summary, AgentUpdater poses a significant threat due to its adware classification, leading to intrusive ads, data collection risks, and exposure to harmful online content. Swift removal is crucial, and users must remain cautious against similar threats to safeguard their digital security effectively.
Examples of similar programs are SyncProgress, DetailMatch, and SyncGuide.
How did AgentUpdater install on my computer?
Adware often infiltrates users' devices through inadvertent installations. It typically happens when users install free or untrustworthy programs, unaware that the installation process includes adware or other additional, unwanted software. Moreover, deceptive ads play a significant role in adware infiltration, as they often trick users into believing they are downloading useful software or tools.
Furthermore, adware developers use other tactics to spread their software, including fake updates and notifications from dubious websites. Users may also unintentionally install adware when downloading from platforms like P2P networks, unofficial app stores, and third-party downloaders.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Ensure you download apps and files from reputable sources like official websites or trusted app stores. During installation processes, carefully review the provided settings and options and deselect any included unwanted software or toolbars. Do not trust ads, pop-ups, links, and buttons found on dubious websites.
Additionally, refrain from allowing suspicious websites to show notifications, and keep your browser (and other apps) and operating system up to date. Scan your computer for threats regularly using reliable security software. If your computer is already infected with AgentUpdater, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
The message that appears after the installation of AgentUpdater adware:
AgentUpdater'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 AgentUpdater?
- STEP 1. Remove AgentUpdater related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AgentUpdater ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AgentUpdater adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AgentUpdater ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AgentUpdater adware using Combo Cleaner:
AgentUpdater adware removal:
Remove AgentUpdater-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 lead to users encountering intrusive and disruptive advertisements, disrupting their browsing experience and consuming device resources, resulting in decreased performance. Moreover, there is a risk of privacy breaches as adware may collect user data without consent. Additionally, users become more susceptible to malware, scams, and other threats.
What does adware do?
Adware primarily functions to deliver advertisements to users, including pop-ups, banners, or other formats. In addition to its advertising role, adware may also gather user data and function as a browser hijacker.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily by promoting various products, websites, or services to users. They commonly engage in affiliate programs, earning commissions for directing traffic or boosting sales for the advertised products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AgentUpdater adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer to eliminate any adware-type applications. Manual removal may not always be entirely effective, as residual files could remain hidden within the system. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize tools such as Combo Cleaner to guarantee thorough removal.
▼ Show Discussion