Removing WebCoordinator adware-type app and the ads it displays

What kind of application is WebCoordinator?

Our research team discovered the WebCoordinator application during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon examination, it became evident that WebCoordinator is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue through advertising.

WebCoordinator adware overview

Adware typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, and other ads) on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, etc.

These advertisements can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered through these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers who are seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

Advertising-supported software might not work as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether WebCoordinator displays ads – it endangers device integrity and user privacy.

We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past; however, WebCoordinator did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

Adware usually gathers sensitive information, and WebCoordinator may possess such data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like WebCoordinator on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by WebCoordinator
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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. ▼ 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

AgentUpdater, SyncProgress, and DetailMatch are just a few examples of adware-type apps we have investigated recently. Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and harmless.

Adware can also offer a broad range of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Note 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 WebCoordinator install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of bundled content infiltrating the system.

Upon being clicked, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. These advertisements are also used to proliferate adware.

Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed by scam websites. The majority of visitors to these webpages access them via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to research software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Installation processes have to be treated with caution by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, etc.).

We also advise being careful while browsing, as fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove WebCoordinator adware using Combo Cleaner:

WebCoordinator adware removal:

Remove WebCoordinator-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads that may promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, tools, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove WebCoordinator adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. These components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, adware and other unwanted software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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