Removing AdjustableFrame adware and the advertisements it displays

What kind of application is AdjustableFrame?

Our researchers found the AdjustableFrame app during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon examination, we determined that AdjustableFrame is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software typically displays ads, and it may have other harmful capabilities.

AdjustableFrame adware overview

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Usually, this software places third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces.

However, adware might not deliver advertisements if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Even if AdjustableFrame does not display adverts – it remains a threat to system safety and user privacy.

Adware-displayed ads can endorse various scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements can even be triggered (by being clicked) to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be promoted by its developers or other official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed product's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications may possess browser-hijacking abilities – however, the AdjustableFrame adware did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically gathers private information, and AdjustableFrame might have such data-tracking functionalities as well.

Targeted information include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. This sensitive data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, software like AdjustableFrame may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AdjustableFrame
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), 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. ▼ 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 examined countless adware-type applications; AccessibleOptimizer, TrustedBrowser, and ValueInterface are just a couple of our newest articles.

Software within this classification rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Adware can offer various "useful" and "advantageous" features. Usually, these functionalities are fake and nonoperational since they only serve as bait.

It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did AdjustableFrame install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.

These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is further increased by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are mainly accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software before downloading/purchasing. Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.

We advise vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AdjustableFrame, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove AdjustableFrame adware using Combo Cleaner:

AdjustableFrame adware removal:

Remove AdjustableFrame-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements promoting content that may cause system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. Additionally, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on visited websites or other interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the revenue is made through affiliate programs

Will Combo Cleaner remove AdjustableFrame adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications that are installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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