How to remove IndexerDivision adware-type app and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is IndexerDivision?
Our research team found the IndexerDivision rogue app while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon analysis, we determined that IndexerDivision is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This application runs intrusive ad campaigns, and it may possess other harmful capabilities.
IndexerDivision adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns, typically by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
However, this software may need certain conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Even if IndexerDivision does not deliver adverts – the app threatens system safety and user privacy.
These advertisements are more than just an annoyance; they can promote various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing IndexerDivision.
Furthermore, this adware-type app may have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software.
Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like IndexerDivision on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Ads by IndexerDivision |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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 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 investigated countless adware samples; NodeResolution, GuideTable, ExplorerProgress, and GuideInfo are just some of our newest articles. Software within this category tends to look legitimate and offer useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Remember that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did IndexerDivision install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing software (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users access these webpages via redirects generated by intrusive adverts, sites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive ads. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and malicious content. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with IndexerDivision, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once IndexerDivision adware's installation is over:
IndexerDivision 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 IndexerDivision?
- STEP 1. Remove IndexerDivision related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove IndexerDivision ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove IndexerDivision adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove IndexerDivision ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove IndexerDivision adware using Combo Cleaner:
IndexerDivision adware removal:
Remove IndexerDivision-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-delivered ads endorse content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is deemed to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually collects sensitive data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns by displaying ads on various interfaces. Adware might also be capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content. The majority of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove IndexerDivision adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and remove detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. These components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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