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How to remove FlexibleRemote

Also Known As: Ads by FlexibleRemote
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is FlexibleRemote?

After inspecting FlexibleRemote, we found that it exhibits characteristics of adware—the app is designed to display intrusive advertisements. Additionally, multiple security vendors have flagged it as malicious. As a result, it is strongly recommended to uninstall FlexibleRemote if it is already installed on a device.

FlexibleRemote adware

FlexibleRemote adware in detail

After installation, FlexibleRemote may generate various unwanted ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, and coupons) that interfere with the user experience. Interacting with these ads could lead to unsafe websites, including sites created to steal money or information or distribute malicious software.

These websites can be designed to trick users into disclosing personal information, including credit card numbers, login credentials, ID details, and other sensitive data. This information can be used to steal accounts, commit identity theft, gain unauthorized access to personal accounts (such as social media or email), and for other harmful activities.

Additionally, ads from FlexibleRemote may promote scams such as fake technical support offers, fraudulent lotteries, giveaways, and other schemes aimed at stealing personal information or money. Some of the pages opened through these ads may trick users into installing additional unwanted apps or even downloading (and running) malware on their devices.

In addition to showing annoying ads, FlexibleRemote may gather data like browsing habits, search queries, IP addresses, and other details. Its developers may sell this information to third parties or misuse it in other ways. Moreover, the app might cause system slowdowns, affecting overall performance.

To mitigate these risks, it is highly recommended to uninstall FlexibleRemote if it is present on your device and avoid downloading such apps in the future.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by FlexibleRemote
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.29152), 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 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Conclusion

FlexibleRemote is an adware that poses privacy risks, can slow down the operating system, and possibly cause other problems. It is best to uninstall it immediately and run a security scan to remove any remaining traces. Our removal guide is provided below.

Some examples of other adware are NetCollection, ValidInitiator, and OpticalManager.

How did FlexibleRemote install on my computer?

Users often unknowingly install apps like FlexibleRemote together with free, questionable, or similar software, particularly if they bypass the provided installation settings (e.g., "Advanced" or "Custom") and do not uncheck unwanted offers included in the installer of the desired app.

In other cases, adware can infiltrate systems via fake software updates, deceptive ads, misleading links, notifications from untrustworthy pages, unofficial app stores, websites, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Always download apps and files from official websites or trusted app stores. During the installation process, opt for “Custom” or “Advanced” settings so you can review and decline any bundled offers or unwanted extras that may come with the software. Avoid clicking ads, pop-ups, buttons, or suspicious links on dubious sites.

Do not allow questionable websites to send you notifications, and keep your system and applications up to date. Lastly, regularly scan your device with trusted security software. If your computer is already infected with FlexibleRemote, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of FlexibleRemote:

FlexibleRemote adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

FlexibleRemote's installation folder:

Installation folder of FlexibleRemote adware

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:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

FlexibleRemote adware removal:

Remove FlexibleRemote-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 slow down computers, disrupt user experience, and cause privacy and security issues.

What does adware do?

Adware delivers advertisements. In addition to showing ads, it can gather information, cause unwanted redirects, or perform similar tasks.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers usually earn revenue by promoting products, websites, or services, with the majority of their income coming from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove FlexibleRemote adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove any adware-type applications. It is worth mentioning that manual removal may not fully resolve the issue, as some leftover files or components could remain hidden in the system. Using tools like Combo Cleaner ensures complete removal.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.