Removal instructions for the CommonMethod adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is CommonMethod?
Our research team discovered CommonMethod while inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we learned that this application is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, this app is part of the AdLoad malware family.
CommonMethod adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. In most cases, this goal is achieved by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, and other ads) on various interfaces.
These advertisements can promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. Some can even carry out stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might require specific conditions to operate as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, and so forth. However, even if CommonMethod does not display ads – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications often exhibit browser-hijacking abilities – although we did not observe these qualities during our investigation of CommonMethod.
Furthermore, advertising-supported usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of CommonMethod. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like CommonMethod on devices may lead to a system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CommonMethod |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; TechBoost, CommonBoost, and ServiceOptimizer are but a couple of our latest articles.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears legitimate or otherwise suspicious. It tends to look ordinary and harmless. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of "handy" functionalities. However, these functions 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 exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did CommonMethod install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CommonMethod, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CommonMethod adware's installation is over:
CommonMethod 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 CommonMethod?
- STEP 1. Remove CommonMethod related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CommonMethod ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CommonMethod adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CommonMethod ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
CommonMethod adware removal:
Remove CommonMethod-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 system performance and browsing quality. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces, force-opening sites, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CommonMethod adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove installed adware-type applications. It is worth mentioning that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion