How to remove OnlineDeveloper adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OnlineDeveloper?
OnlineDeveloper is an adware-type application that our researchers discovered while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers.
OnlineDeveloper adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces, such as visited sites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, adware might not work as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether OnlineDeveloper displays advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety.
Adverts displayed by this software promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these ads is unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities. However, we did not observe these functionalities while testing OnlineDeveloper.
What is more, this app likely gathers sensitive information, as these abilities are standard for adware. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The vulnerable information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like OnlineDeveloper on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OnlineDeveloper |
| 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
We have examined numerous adware-type applications; ArrayEngine, VirtualProcesser, and AgentFrame are merely a few of our latest articles.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. However, the functionalities promised by adware are rarely operational. Remember that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OnlineDeveloper install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive ads proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. They are mainly accessed via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to research software before downloading or purchasing. We recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fraudulent and dangerous content. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OnlineDeveloper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OnlineDeveloper adware's installation is over:
OnlineDeveloper 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 OnlineDeveloper?
- STEP 1. Remove OnlineDeveloper related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OnlineDeveloper ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OnlineDeveloper adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OnlineDeveloper ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OnlineDeveloper adware removal:
Remove OnlineDeveloper-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 promote content that can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device can lead to a diminished browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Some types can generate redirects and gather private information as well.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OnlineDeveloper adware?
Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all kinds of threats, including adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – leftover files can remain hidden within the system. These remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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