How to eliminate the EssentialSector adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is EssentialSector?
Our researchers found the EssentialSector rogue application while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. EssentialSector operates by feeding users with undesirable and possibly malicious ads.
EssentialSector adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, apps within this classification function by displaying advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, and so on. Yet even if EssentialSector does not display ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, applications from the AdLoad family tend to have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these qualities while testing EssentialSector.
What is more, this rogue app likely has data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like EssentialSector on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EssentialSector |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined thousands of adware-type apps; TheorySeek, Cork.app, and Wrongfully.app are just a couple of our latest articles.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. Users can be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of useful functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized 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 EssentialSector install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular 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 rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, intrusive ads proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to research software prior to downloading or purchasing. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fake and malicious content. For example, while intrusive ads may appear harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continious encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialSector, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EssentialSector adware's installation is over:
EssentialSector 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 EssentialSector?
- STEP 1. Remove EssentialSector related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EssentialSector ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EssentialSector adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EssentialSector ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
EssentialSector adware removal:
Remove EssentialSector-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. Ads displayed by this software can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware is considered a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialSector adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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