How to remove MasterInput adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is MasterInput?
While investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered the MasterInput rogue application. After examining this app, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family.
MasterInput adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually operates by displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. The delivered advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, etc.) can endorse various scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware.
Some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
However, adware might need specific conditions to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system secs, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet even if MasterInput does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe these functionalities while testing MasterInput adware.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to MasterInput. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like MasterInput on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MasterInput |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Generic.3182353), 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 numerous adware-type apps; DefaultAgent, LeadShared, PrimaryBalance, ExecutiveSection, and FeedNames are merely some of our newest articles.
Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and promises "handy" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did MasterInput install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, 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 make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content that usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MasterInput, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MasterInput adware's installation is over:
MasterInput 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
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Quick menu:
- What is MasterInput?
- STEP 1. Remove MasterInput related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MasterInput ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MasterInput adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MasterInput ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
MasterInput adware removal:
Remove MasterInput-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 ads that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware is also considered a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MasterInput adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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