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How to remove SectionDesign adware and the advertisements it displays

Also Known As: Ads by SectionDesign
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is SectionDesign?

Our research team found SectionDesign while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After investigating this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). SectionDesign is part of the AdLoad malware family.

SectionDesign adware

SectionDesign adware overview

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Typically, it displays third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites or different interfaces.

Advertising-supported software might not operate as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, whether SectionDesign display adverts is irrelevant, as it threatens device/user safety regardless.

Adware-delivered advertisements can promote various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some intrusive ads can even execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

While AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, SectionDesign did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of the SectionDesign app. Adware can seek browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like SectionDesign on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by SectionDesign
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 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.
▼ 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

AppSectionInitialInfo, and OriginalAssist are just a few of our latest articles on adware-type applications. Software within this category appears legitimate and offers useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if an app or browser extension operates as promised – that is not irrefutable proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did SectionDesign install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access these pages through redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Bundled installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious channels. The risk of inadvertently allowing this content into the system is furthered by being inattentive when installing programs (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. It is important to always download from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

It is essential to be vigilant while browsing, as the Internet is rife with fraudulent and malicious content. This deceptive and dangerous material is typically disguised as legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once SectionDesign installation is complete

SectionDesign adware's installation folder:

SectionDesign adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove SectionDesign adware using Combo Cleaner:

SectionDesign adware removal:

Remove SectionDesign-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The software's presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware displays advertisements on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SectionDesign adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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