How to eliminate the ServerInput adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ServerInput?
Our researchers found the ServerInput application while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we determined that ServerInput is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful abilities.
ServerInput adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. Software within this classification usually operates by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, such as visited sites, desktops, or others.
The ads can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Remember that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet even if ServerInput does not deliver advertisements – it remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.
AdLoad applications often exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing ServerInput.
Additionally, this rogue app likely has data-tracking abilities. Adware typically targets browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, software like ServerInput may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ServerInput |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), 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. |
Adware examples
TemplateAnalyzer, OptimalValue, ProgramSource – are merely a couple examples of adware we have examined recently. This software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and ordinary.
Adware can also offer a wide variety of useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that operational features alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did ServerInput install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped sections, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – carry the threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content to infiltrate the system.
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users mainly enter these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise vigilance while browsing, as fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ServerInput, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ServerInput adware's installation is over:
ServerInput 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 ServerInput?
- STEP 1. Remove ServerInput related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ServerInput ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ServerInput adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ServerInput ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ServerInput adware using Combo Cleaner:
ServerInput adware removal:
Remove ServerInput-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 advertisements may endorse content capable of causing severe issues like system infections, financial losses, etc. Its presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware usually possesses data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening websites and gathering sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, products, services, software, etc.). Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ServerInput adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps that are present. Manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, thorough software removal is essential.
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