How to remove the ManagerAdmin adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ManagerAdmin?
ManagerAdmin is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Our analysis revealed that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). ManagerAdmin is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ManagerAdmin adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.
These advertisements can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Certain conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolcation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether ManagerAdmin displays advertisements – its presence threatens device/user safety.
AdLoad apps also often have browser-hijacking functionalities. However, we did not observe these functions during testing. Additionally, ManagerAdmin likely has data-tracking abilities since they are standard for adware.
Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like ManagerAdmin on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ManagerAdmin |
| 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 applications; SyncedLocator, PracticalDesktop, and NetEngine are just a few of our latest articles.
Typically, software of this kind appears ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of advantageous and handy functionalities. However, they seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software functions exactly as indicated – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ManagerAdmin install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages and is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts. Some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software before downloading or purchasing. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ManagerAdmin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ManagerAdmin adware's installation is over:
ManagerAdmin 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 ManagerAdmin?
- STEP 1. Remove ManagerAdmin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ManagerAdmin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ManagerAdmin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ManagerAdmin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ManagerAdmin adware removal:
Remove ManagerAdmin-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 advertisements promote content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Data-tracking functionalities are prevalent in adware – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its functions can include enabling the placement of third-party graphical content on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ManagerAdmin adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
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