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How to eliminate the EssentialSector adware-type app from your Mac

Also Known As: Ads by EssentialSector
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Adware examples

We have examined thousands of adware-type apps; TheorySeekCork.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:

Pop-up displayed once EssentialSector installation is complete

EssentialSector adware's installation folder:

EssentialSector adware install 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:

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:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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