Removing ElementFormula adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ElementFormula?
ElementFormula is a rogue application that our researchers determined to be adware. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. ElementFormula is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The purpose of advertising-supported software is to generate revenue for its developers.
ElementFormula adware overview
Adware delivers intrusive ad campaigns. The software displays advertisements (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
This third-party graphical content can promote online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of the ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to work as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ElementFormula does not deliver advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device safety and user privacy.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications may exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities, yet we did not deserve these traits while investigating ElementFormula.
What is more, adware usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the ElementFormula app. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
The presence of software like ElementFormula on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ElementFormula |
| 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
We have analyzed countless adware-type applications; ManagerCommand, ControlMachine, LogicalData, and DigitalBrowser are just a few of our latest articles.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous. Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of "useful" and "advantageous" 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 a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ElementFormula install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, and other dubious channels. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by inattentiveness when installing, such as ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.
Furthermore, adware is promoted on innocent-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users access these webpages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as the Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. For example, intrusive adverts may appear ordinary and innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ElementFormula, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ElementFormula adware's installation is over:
ElementFormula 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 ElementFormula?
- STEP 1. Remove ElementFormula related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ElementFormula ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ElementFormula adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ElementFormula ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ElementFormula adware removal:
Remove ElementFormula-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. The software displays advertisements promoting content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. This is typically achieved by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. However, some adware types can also force-open webpages and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ElementFormula adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications that are installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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