Removal instructions for the LocalInfo adware-type application

What kind of application is LocalInfo?

Our researchers discovered LocalInfo while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After inspecting this app, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. LocalInfo displays advertisements, and it may possess other harmful capabilities.

LocalInfo adware overview

Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Typically, it displays advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.

The ads can endorse various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Remember that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be necessary for adware operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if LocalInfo does not display adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Additionally, AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities, but LocalInfo did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the LocalInfo app. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like LocalInfo on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by LocalInfo
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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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 numerous adware-type apps and extensions; CacheDivision, LauncherSync, and ListScheduler are just a couple of our latest articles.

Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and offers handy features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.

How did LocalInfo install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Visitors primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Installation processes have to be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise exercising caution while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove LocalInfo adware using Combo Cleaner:

LocalInfo adware removal:

Remove LocalInfo-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 can promote content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually possesses data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to feed users with unwanted and possibly malicious ads. The third-party graphical content can be displayed on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. Some adware-types are also capable of force-opening websites and collecting vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove LocalInfo adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type applications. Manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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