FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove ExecutiveSection from computers

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

What kind of application is ExecutiveSection?

Our analysis of ExecutiveSection shows that this application is designed to display advertisements. Therefore, we classified it as adware. Additionally, we found that ExecutiveSection has been flagged as malicious by multiple security vendors. Users should not trust ExecutiveSection and remove it if it is already installed.

ExecutiveSection adware

ExecutiveSection adware in detail

Adware like ExecutiveSection generates intrusive ads that can disrupt the browsing experience. These ads can appear as pop-ups, banners, or coupons and be designed to grab users' attention with misleading offers or promotions. Clicking these ads may take users to unreliable websites, including phishing pages or sites with malware.

On these pages, users may be tricked into disclosing sensitive information (e.g., passwords, credit card details, or ID card information). Also, they may be deceived into transferring money to scammers (e.g., paying for fake services or products). Moreover, users may unknowingly download and install malware on their computers.

In addition to displaying intrusive ads, ExecutiveSection can slow down system performance by consuming excessive resources such as CPU and memory, making devices run slow. The app may also collect data, like browsing habits, search history, and location, which can be shared with third parties or misused in other ways.

Therefore, if ExecutiveSection is already on a computer, it should be uninstalled as soon as possible. If this cannot be achieved manually, we recommend using Combo Cleaner for removal.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ExecutiveSection
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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 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.

More about adware

Many ad-supported programs generate intrusive ads, track user activity, and redirect to potentially harmful websites. Although they are often promoted as legitimate apps, they often do not function as their developers claim. Users should be cautious when installing software and take other precautions to avoid adware.

Some examples of adware-type apps are FlexibleRemote, RecordPlatform, and TrustedSafeFinder.

How did ExecutiveSection install on my computer?

Many adware programs are bundled with other applications, and users who rush through installation without reviewing the settings may inadvertently allow them onto their systems. Skipping "Advanced" or "Custom" installation options prevents users from spotting and deselecting unwanted offers.

Additionally, adware can infiltrate devices through fake software updates, deceptive ads, malicious websites, notifications from unreliable pages, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and third-party downloaders.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Users should download software only from official websites or reputable app stores to avoid adware. During installation, selecting the “Advanced” or “Custom” option allows them to review and decline any bundled offers. It is also essential to avoid clicking on suspicious links, pop-ups, or ads from untrustworthy websites, as these can lead to unintended downloads.

Users should also block notifications from dubious sites and be cautious of fake software updates. Keeping the operating system and applications updated and using a reliable security tool to scan for threats regularly can further reduce the risk of adware installation. If your computer is already infected with ExecutiveSection, 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 ExecutiveSection:

ExecutiveSection adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

ExecutiveSection's installation folder:

Installation folder of ExecutiveSection 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:

ExecutiveSection adware removal:

Remove ExecutiveSection-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 disrupt browsing, reduce system speed, and introduce privacy and security concerns.

What does adware do?

Adware displays intrusive ads like pop-ups, banners, and coupons while also potentially harvesting personal data without the user's awareness or permission.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most adware creators profit by advertising products, websites, or services through affiliate programs, generating revenue based on user clicks, downloads, purchases, or other actions.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExecutiveSection adware?

Combo Cleaner will thoroughly scan your system and eliminate all adware. Manual removal is not always reliable, as hidden files or lingering components may continue operating even after deletion.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
Ads by ExecutiveSection QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ExecutiveSection on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.