How to remove UnitConsole adware from Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is UnitConsole?
While investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site, our research team discovered the UnitConsole application. After examining this app, we learned that it is adware. UnitConsole belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
UnitConsole adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
These advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine content may be encountered via said ads – it is most likely endorsed in this manner by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.) to operate as designed. However, even if UnitConsole does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
While AdLoad applications commonly possess browser-hijacking capabilities, we did not observe these traits during our analysis of UnitConsole.
Usually, adware has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the UnitConsole app. Targeted information includes browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, advertising-supported software like UnitConsole can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by UnitConsole |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Generic.3180801), 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 investigated numerous; TriviaIndexer, ProductiveDock, and IndexerTemplate are just a few of our latest articles on adware. Advertising-supported software tends to look ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a broad range of "useful" functionalities, which are typically fake and nonoperational.
Remember that even if an application or a browser extension functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did UnitConsole install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the "bundling" marketing method – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
Bundled installers can be downloaded from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings) increase the danger of permitting this content into the device.
Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread directly by intrusive ads. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are mainly entered via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with UnitConsole, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once UnitConsole adware's installation is over:
UnitConsole 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 UnitConsole?
- STEP 1. Remove UnitConsole related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UnitConsole ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UnitConsole adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UnitConsole ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
UnitConsole adware removal:
Remove UnitConsole-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 promoting content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove UnitConsole adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove adware-type applications that are installed. Remember 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) stay hidden within the system. These components can continue to run and cause problems. It is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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