How to remove the TheorySeek adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is TheorySeek?
Our researchers found the TheorySeek app while browsing new submissions to VirusTotal. Upon inspection, we determined that TheorySeek is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
TheorySeek adware overview
Adware typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for this software to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Yet even if TheorySeek does not deliver advertisements – its presence endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some can even execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services can be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, many AdLoad apps also possess browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these functionalities while testing TheorySeek.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to TheorySeek. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like TheorySeek on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TheorySeek |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchprox), 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 analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; Cork.app, Wrongfully.app, Effetman.app, and Victualry.app are merely some of our latest articles. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various "useful" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned 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 TheorySeek install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installations must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TheorySeek, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TheorySeek adware's installation is over:
TheorySeek 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 TheorySeek?
- STEP 1. Remove TheorySeek related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TheorySeek ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TheorySeek adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TheorySeek ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
TheorySeek adware removal:
Remove TheorySeek-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 commonly endorse content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on devices can result in a diminished browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities – thus, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware primarily generates revenue through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove TheorySeek adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without aid from security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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