How to remove EnvironmentMax adware from your Mac

What kind of application is EnvironmentMax?

While checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team found the EnvironmentMax rogue app. After examining it, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). EnvironmentMax is part of the AdLoad malware group.

EnvironmentMax adware overview

The purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, this goal is achieved by running intrusive ad campaigns – i.e., displaying third-party graphical content (pop-ups, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.

Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether EnvironmentMax delivers advertisements – it threatens device integrity and user privacy.

Ads displayed by adware can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that carry out sneaky downloads/installations.

Remember that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking functions – however, the EnvironmentMax app did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

Additionally, advertising-supported software tends to have data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of EnvironmentMax. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like EnvironmentMax on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by EnvironmentMax
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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. ▼ 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.

Adware examples

DisplayProgress, CodesTerminal, KeyParameter, BinaryAnalog, UnitConsole, and IndexerTemplate are merely some of our latest articles on adware.

Usually, this software appears legitimate and harmless. Adware can also offer a wide variety of functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be emphasized that operational features alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did EnvironmentMax install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages and is pushed through scam sites. They are mainly accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

Caution is key to device and user safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading or purchasing. Download only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing – read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, tools, extensions, etc.).

Furthermore, be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EnvironmentMax, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once EnvironmentMax adware's installation is over:

EnvironmentMax 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 EnvironmentMax?
• STEP 1. Remove EnvironmentMax related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove EnvironmentMax ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove EnvironmentMax adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove EnvironmentMax ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

EnvironmentMax adware removal:

Remove EnvironmentMax-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 severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Its presence on a system can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware typically collects sensitive user data – therefore, it is also classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, adware operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening webpages and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove EnvironmentMax adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications that are present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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