How to remove the BrowserQuest adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is BrowserQuest?
While inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal website, we discovered the BrowserQuest app. Our examination uncovered that this piece of software is adware from the AdLoad malware group. Advertising-supported software like BrowserQuest is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
BrowserQuest adware overview
Adware typically operates by enabling the placement of advertisements (e.g., overlays, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc.) on visited webpages or other interfaces. However, certain conditions may be required for this software to work as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if BrowserQuest does not display ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts can promote various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Stealthy installations are another concern; these ads may be triggered to carry them out once clicked.
Note that while genuine products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.
We have discovered many AdLoad adware samples with browser-hijacking functionalities in the past – however, BrowserQuest did not exhibit such qualities during our analysis.
Furthermore, data-tracking capabilities are standard for advertising-supported software, and this might be true of BrowserQuest. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like BrowserQuest may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BrowserQuest |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; PromoteMemory, DeviceControl, and BasicDisplay are but a few of our latest articles on this software.
Adware usually appears harmless and offers handy functionalities. However, it seldom operates as promised, as its features are rarely more than bait. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did BrowserQuest install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BrowserQuest, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BrowserQuest adware's installation is over:
BrowserQuest 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 BrowserQuest?
- STEP 1. Remove BrowserQuest related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BrowserQuest ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BrowserQuest adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BrowserQuest ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BrowserQuest adware using Combo Cleaner:
BrowserQuest adware removal:
Remove BrowserQuest-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 promote content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Its presence on a system can decrease the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software is classed as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Typically, it displays third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. However, some adware types can also force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BrowserQuest adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
Outstanding!
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