Removing InitialInfo adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is InitialInfo?
InitialInfo is a rogue app discovered during a routine investigation of file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon examination, we determined that it is adware. InitialInfo is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
InitialInfo adware overview
Adware typically feeds users with unwanted and malicious ads. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) can be displayed on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Regardless of whether InitialInfo delivers adverts – it remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements can promote deceptive/malicious content, including online scams, untrustworthy software, and even malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered via these adverts are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
We have discovered many adware-type AdLoad apps that operate as browser hijackers, yet we did not observe these qualities while investigating InitialInfo.
Advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive user information, and InitialInfo may have such data-tracking abilities as well.
Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like InitialInfo may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by InitialInfo |
| 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 the 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 examined thousands of adware-type applications; UpgradeSample, OriginalAssist, and SectionInitiator are merely a couple of our latest articles. This software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless.
Users may be enticed to download/install adware by various "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Remember that even if an app or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did InitialInfo install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and inattentiveness when installing software (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device.
Furthermore, adware is endorsed on innocent-looking promotional pages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs (typosquatting), spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user content.
How to avoid installation of adware?
Caution is key to device and user safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading or purchasing. Download only from official and verified sources. When installing, read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InitialInfo, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once InitialInfo adware's installation is over:
InitialInfo 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 InitialInfo?
- STEP 1. Remove InitialInfo related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InitialInfo ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InitialInfo adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InitialInfo ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove InitialInfo adware using Combo Cleaner:
InitialInfo adware removal:
Remove InitialInfo-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 advertisements promoting content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The software's presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. This software might also be capable of force-opening websites and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers/publishers 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 InitialInfo adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and remove all kinds of threats. It can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, 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 issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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