How to eliminate TriviaIndexer adware from Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is TriviaIndexer?
TriviaIndexer is a rogue app discovered by our researchers during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This application is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family.
TriviaIndexer adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software; its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, adware functions by displaying advertisements on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces.
Certain conditions may be necessary for this software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Even if TriviaIndexer does not deliver ads – it endangers device and user safety.
Adverts displayed by advertising-supported software can endorse various scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, TriviaIndexer might possess browser-hijacking capabilities since they are common for AdLoad adware. However, this application did not exhibit such qualities during our analysis.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of TriviaIndexer.
Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like TriviaIndexer on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TriviaIndexer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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
ProductiveDock, IndexerTemplate, and ExtendedApp are just a couple of our latest articles on adware. Usually, applications and browser extensions belonging to this classification appear legitimate and harmless.
Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Remember that even if a piece of software functions as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did TriviaIndexer install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have legitimate-looking promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. These pages are primarily accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread directly by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installations must be treated with care by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TriviaIndexer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TriviaIndexer adware's installation is over:
TriviaIndexer 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 TriviaIndexer?
- STEP 1. Remove TriviaIndexer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TriviaIndexer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TriviaIndexer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TriviaIndexer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
TriviaIndexer adware removal:
Remove TriviaIndexer-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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as it typically collects sensitive user information.
What does adware do?
Adware usually operates by displaying third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces. However, this software may also be capable of generating redirects and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TriviaIndexer adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan systems and remove all adware-type apps that are present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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