How to eliminate the SourceManager adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SourceManager?
During a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers discovered the SourceManager app. Upon examination, we learned that this application is advertising-supported software (adware). SourceManager is part of the AdLoad malware group.
SourceManager adware overview
Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, this software displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces like visited websites, desktops, or others.
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Some can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products or services encountered through these ads are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to certain sites, etc.). However, even if SourceManager does not deliver advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
Some apps from the AdLoad family possess browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe them during our analysis of SourceManager.
What is more, adware usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to SourceManager. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like SourceManager on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Ads by SourceManager |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.2), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 numerous adware-type apps; MicroCoordinator, EssentialSector, and TheorySeek are just a couple examples.
Advertising-supported software can appear legitimate and useful. However, the promised features are usually fake and nonfunctional. However, it must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates exactly as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SourceManager install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects produced by intrusive ads, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SourceManager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SourceManager adware's installation is over:
SourceManager 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 SourceManager?
- STEP 1. Remove SourceManager related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SourceManager ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SourceManager adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SourceManager ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
SourceManager adware removal:
Remove SourceManager-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. It displays advertisements endorsing content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is deemed to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. The software's primary capabilities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove SourceManager adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – leftover files stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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