How to remove KeyParameter adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is KeyParameter?
KeyParameter is an adware-type application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. KeyParameter aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
KeyParameter adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Usually, it operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Adware might not work as designed if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if KeyParameter does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements can endorse scams (phishing, tech support, etc.), unreliable/hazardous software (adware, PUAs, browser hijackers, etc.), and malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.). Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that genuine products or services encountered via such adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad apps commonly possess browser-hijacking capabilities, we did not observe these traits during our analysis of the KeyParameter adware.
Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of KeyParameter. Targeted information can include browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like KeyParameter is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by KeyParameter |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Generic.3181180), 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
BinaryAnalog, UnitConsole, TriviaIndexer, and ProductiveDock are merely a few of our newest articles on adware. Software within this category usually looks legitimate and harmless.
Users may be tricked into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did KeyParameter install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. They are mainly accessed via intrusive adverts, sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and harmful sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with KeyParameter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once KeyParameter adware's installation is over:
KeyParameter 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 KeyParameter?
- STEP 1. Remove KeyParameter related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove KeyParameter ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove KeyParameter adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove KeyParameter ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
KeyParameter adware removal:
Remove KeyParameter-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-delivered adverts promote content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove KeyParameter adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be ideal. After the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can stay hidden within the system. These remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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