Removal instructions for the BalanceDesktop adware-type app

What kind of application is BalanceDesktop?

Our researchers found BalanceDesktop while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon inspection, we learned that it is yet another adware-type app from the AdLoad malware family. BalanceDesktop is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may possess other harmful capabilities.

BalanceDesktop adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, it displays third-party graphical content (adverts) on visited websites or other interfaces. In case of the former, this results in a diminished browsing experience (e.g., ads can overly webpage content).

What is more, these advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some intrusive ads can carry them out upon being clicked.

It is worth mentioning that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to operate as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, and so on. However, even if BalanceDesktop does not deliver ads – this application remains a threat to system safety and user privacy.

We have found many instances of AdLoad apps with browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not observe these qualities while testing BalanceDesktop.

Adware usually collects sensitive information, and the BalanceDesktop application might also have such data-tracking functionalities.

Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like BalanceDesktop on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by BalanceDesktop
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

AdjustableFrame, EssentialTask, and AccessibleOptimizer are merely a couple examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and useful. Adware can promise a broad range of handy functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational. Yet even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.

How did BalanceDesktop install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.

The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are most commonly accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations. These adverts are also used to spread advertising-supported software.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., applications, extensions, tools, etc.).

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

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove BalanceDesktop adware using Combo Cleaner:

BalanceDesktop adware removal:

Remove BalanceDesktop-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 endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is classed as a privacy threat as well since adware typically gathers vulnerable information.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to place third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove BalanceDesktop adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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