Removal instructions for the AdminFlow adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is AdminFlow?
While investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team discovered the AdminFlow application. Our examination revealed that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. AdminFlow is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
AdminFlow adware overview
Typically, advertising-supported software displays third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. However, specific conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as intended. However, even if AdminFlow it does not deliver adverts – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
These advertisements can promote deceptive and virulent content, such as online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely performed by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad adware-type applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of AdminFlow. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the AdminFlow app.
Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (possibly, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like AdminFlow on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AdminFlow |
| 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.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
OpticalNetwork, CharacterSoftware, SampleUpdater, and OnlineProcesser are just a few of our latest articles on Mac-specific adware. Software within this category rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.
Adware can offer a broad range of useful functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational. Note that even if an application or a browser extension functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.
How did AdminFlow install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by being inattentive when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We advise vigilance while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AdminFlow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AdminFlow adware's installation is over:
AdminFlow 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
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Quick menu:
- What is AdminFlow?
- STEP 1. Remove AdminFlow related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AdminFlow ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AdminFlow adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AdminFlow ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
AdminFlow adware removal:
Remove AdminFlow-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?
Having adware running on your device can result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. This software also poses threats such as system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and others – through the advertisements that it displays. Furthermore, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually gathers sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software; as the naming implies, this software's purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Adware's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing content (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AdminFlow adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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