How to remove the ElementaryCommand adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ElementaryCommand?
ElementaryCommand is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
ElementaryCommand adware overview
Typically, adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. The software might not function as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if ElementaryCommand does not deliver ads – it endangers device integrity and user privacy.
These adverts can promote online scams, unwanted/harmful software, and even malware. Some can carry out stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while genuine content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely performed by scammers who abuse the promoted product's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad adware commonly exhibits browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of the ElementaryCommand application.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually collects vulnerable information, and ElementaryCommand might have such data-tracking functionalities as well.
Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, software like ElementaryCommand is associated with system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ElementaryCommand |
| 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
UpdaterAnalyzer, Sociologist.app, TechProduct, and ParameterPortal are merely a few of our latest articles on adware-type apps. Usually, advertising-supported software appears harmless and offers "handy" features. However, it seldom operates as promised, and its functionalities are rarely operational.
It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software functions exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ElementaryCommand install on my computer?
Adware can be packed into installation setups of ordinary programs (bundling). These setups can be downloaded from freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional pages and is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software directly 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?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fake and dangerous content. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ElementaryCommand, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ElementaryCommand adware's installation is over:
ElementaryCommand 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 ElementaryCommand?
- STEP 1. Remove ElementaryCommand related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ElementaryCommand ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ElementaryCommand adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ElementaryCommand ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ElementaryCommand adware removal:
Remove ElementaryCommand-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. Its advertisements promote content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. The software itself is considered a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware can display third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the revenue comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ElementaryCommand adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove adware-type applications that are present. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion