How to remove ConsoleActivity adware-type from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ConsoleActivity?
Upon inspection, our research team determined that the ConsoleActivity application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers via advertising. Generally, it feeds users with undesirable and possibly malicious ads.
ConsoleActivity adware overview
Typically, adware runs intrusive advertisement campaigns by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, surveys, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for this software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Yet even if ConsoleActivity does not deliver advertisements – the application's presence on the system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can endorse deceptive and malicious content, such as online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.
Any genuine products or services encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not deserve these qualities during our analysis of ConsoleActivity.
Furthermore, this adware-type application likely has data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software.
Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like ConsoleActivity on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ConsoleActivity |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| 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
ControlMachine, LogicalData, and DigitalBrowser are just a couple examples of adware-type apps. Usually, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers handy features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that operational features alone do not prove the legitimacy or safety of software.
How did ConsoleActivity install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally providing access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing software (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent – upon being clicked. These adverts are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, we advise vigilance when browsing. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ConsoleActivity, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ConsoleActivity adware's installation is over:
ConsoleActivity 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 ConsoleActivity?
- STEP 1. Remove ConsoleActivity related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConsoleActivity ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConsoleActivity adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConsoleActivity ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ConsoleActivity adware removal:
Remove ConsoleActivity-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 endorse content that may cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers/publishers profit predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting content. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ConsoleActivity adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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