Removal instructions for the ChannelType adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ChannelType?
Our researchers discovered ChannelType while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon examination, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Adware stands for advertising-supported software and operates by running intrusive advert campaigns.
ChannelType adware overview
Typically, adware delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns by displaying ads on various interfaces. These advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware.
When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations. Note that while legitimate products/services can be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, even if ChannelType does not deliver advertisements – its presence endangers device integrity and user privacy.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not observe these functionalities while testing ChannelType.
Additionally, ChannelType likely has data-tracking abilities, as adware usually possesses such. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ChannelType on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ChannelType |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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 investigated numerous adware-type apps; QuestSection, WebIntegration, MicroAccessibility, ActiveIndex, and SystemDev are merely some of our latest articles.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did ChannelType install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive adverts, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ChannelType, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ChannelType adware's installation is over:
ChannelType 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 ChannelType?
- STEP 1. Remove ChannelType related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ChannelType ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ChannelType adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ChannelType ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ChannelType adware removal:
Remove ChannelType-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 ads can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is considered a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking capabilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically displays third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open websites and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove ChannelType adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. These remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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