How to remove OverallVariety adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OverallVariety?
Our research team discovered OverallVariety while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon inspection, we found that this application is adware. OverallVariety is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns.
OverallVariety adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to work as designed, such as a compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, and so on. Regardless of whether OverallVariety delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns – it remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.
Adware-displayed ads can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
OverallVariety might have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are common for AdLoad applications, yet we did not observe these abilities during our analysis of this app.
Usually, advertising-supported software has data-tracking functions, and this might be true of OverallVariety. Adware can target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like OverallVariety on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OverallVariety |
| 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 written about countless adware-type apps; DynamicEntry, OperativeData, EnumeratorValue, and ProductiveData are merely some of our latest articles.
It is noteworthy that this software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Adware can also offer various useful features that are rarely operational. Remember that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OverallVariety install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.
These installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects produced by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also directly proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When 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 research software before downloading or purchasing. We recommend obtaining programs only from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise caution when browsing since fraudulent and hazardous content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, etc.). In case of continuous encounters with ads/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 OverallVariety, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OverallVariety adware's installation is over:
OverallVariety 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 OverallVariety?
- STEP 1. Remove OverallVariety related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OverallVariety ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OverallVariety adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OverallVariety ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OverallVariety adware removal:
Remove OverallVariety-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 browsing quality and system performance. The ads delivered by this software promote content capable of causing severe problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – thus, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware usually operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces, but it may also be capable of force-opening websites and collecting information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominately through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OverallVariety adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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