FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Removal instructions for the ClearInitiator adware-type application

Also Known As: Ads by ClearInitiator
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is ClearInitiator?

ClearInitiator is a rogue app discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this application, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ClearInitiator is designed to generate revenue through advertising.

ClearInitiator adware

ClearInitiator adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

The displayed advertisements can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if ClearInitiator does not display advertisements – it still threatens device integrity and user safety.

We have found many AdLoad adware-type apps with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past – however, we did not observe these traits while testing ClearInitiator.

Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the ClearInitiator app. Software within this classification tends to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, advertising-supported software like ClearInitiator may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ClearInitiator
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.
▼ 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

We have written about countless adware-type apps; Academization.appTaskSite, and SaveScheduler are just a couple of our newest articles.

Software of this kind typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "handy" functions. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.

How did ClearInitiator install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.

These setups can be downloaded from various untrustworthy sources, such as freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. Rushed installations compound the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps/sections, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent. These advertisements are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts 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 ClearInitiator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once ClearInitiator installation is complete

ClearInitiator adware's installation folder:

ClearInitiator adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove ClearInitiator adware using Combo Cleaner:

ClearInitiator adware removal:

Remove ClearInitiator-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Ads delivered by adware may promote content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, and others. The presence of advertising-supported software on devices can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it typically possesses data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue through advertising; this is typically achieved by feeding users with unwanted/malicious advertisements. This third-party graphical content can be displayed on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can force-open websites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ClearInitiator adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by ClearInitiator QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ClearInitiator on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.