Removal instructions for the ToolboxKey adware-type application

What kind of application is ToolboxKey?

Our research team discovered ToolboxKey while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon inspection, we learned that this app is adware. ToolboxKey is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is intended to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

ToolboxKey adware overview

Advertising-supported software (adware) typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups, overlays, and other ads) on various interfaces.

The delivered advertisements can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is worth mentioning that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Adware might need certain conditions to work as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, whether ToolboxKey displays adverts is irrelevant, as the app's presence threatens device integrity and user safety regardless.

Additionally, AdLoad applications often exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – yet we did not observe these qualities while testing ToolboxKey.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually collects private information, and ToolboxKey may possess such data-tracking functionalities as well. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like ToolboxKey on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ToolboxKey
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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

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Software within this category rarely looks illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "useful" and "advantageous" features. These functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ToolboxKey install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique, which entails packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.

The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations after being clicked. These advertisements are also used to spread advertising-supported software.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. They are most commonly accessed via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ToolboxKey, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ToolboxKey adware using Combo Cleaner:

ToolboxKey adware removal:

Remove ToolboxKey-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 delivers ads promoting content, which is potentially capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Having this software installed on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also classed as a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking capabilities.

What does adware do?

Adware displays third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening websites and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove ToolboxKey adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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