How to eliminate ObsessionLandscape adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ObsessionLandscape?
ObsessionLandscape is the name of a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family.
Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may possess other harmful capabilities.
ObsessionLandscape adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising, typically by delivering intrusive advert campaigns. This software can display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ObsessionLandscape does not display ads – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can perform stealthy downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing its affiliate programs.
Additionally, AdLoad adware-type apps tend to possess browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of ObsessionLandscape.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of ObsessionLandscape. Targeted information include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personal identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like ObsessionLandscape on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ObsessionLandscape |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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
We have investigated numerous adware samples; ProtocolView, SourceUpdater, DefaultSection, and Cologne.app are just some of our latest articles on this software.
Adware usually appears legitimate and offers various features. However, it seldom operates as promised since all its "useful" functionalities typically serve the purpose of bait. Yet even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ObsessionLandscape install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of inadvertently permitting bundled content to infiltrate the device.
Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
We also advise vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ObsessionLandscape, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ObsessionLandscape adware's installation is over:
ObsessionLandscape 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 ObsessionLandscape?
- STEP 1. Remove ObsessionLandscape related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ObsessionLandscape ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ObsessionLandscape adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ObsessionLandscape ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ObsessionLandscape adware using Combo Cleaner:
ObsessionLandscape adware removal:
Remove ObsessionLandscape-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. This software delivers ads that may promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the naming implies, its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove ObsessionLandscape adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications that are installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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