How to eliminate ValidInitiator adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ValidInitiator?
ValidInitiator is a rogue app discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family.
ValidInitiator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the naming implies, its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. In most instances, adware achieves this by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces like visited websites, desktops, or others.
However, advertising-supported software might not function as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether ValidInitiator displays ads – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. Remember that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, AdLoad applications commonly possess browser-hijacking abilities. However, we did not observe these traits during our analysis of ValidInitiator.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of the ValidInitiator app. Collected information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software is associated with the following risks – system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ValidInitiator |
| 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 written about numerous adware-type applications; MajorBuffer, CommonFunction, OpticalNavigation, and ElementaryCommand are but a few of our newest articles.
Software within this category rarely appears legitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and useful. Adware may offer a broad range of handy features, which are usually fake and nonexistent. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates exactly as promised – that does not prove legitimacy or safety.
How did ValidInitiator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) genuine or legitimate-sounding programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for 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 installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on dedicated "official" download pages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects produced by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installations must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect users 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 suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ValidInitiator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ValidInitiator adware's installation is over:
ValidInitiator 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 ValidInitiator?
- STEP 1. Remove ValidInitiator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ValidInitiator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ValidInitiator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ValidInitiator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ValidInitiator adware removal:
Remove ValidInitiator-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. It displays advertisements endorsing content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening websites and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ValidInitiator adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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