How to remove BrowserValue adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is BrowserValue?
While investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our researchers discovered the BrowserValue app. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. BrowserValue aims to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
BrowserValue adware overview
The most prevalent modus operandi for adware is to display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
Certain conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if BrowserValue does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Ads delivered by adware can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the adverts can carry them out upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products/services encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad applications can have browser-hijacking capabilities – we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of the BrowserValue adware.
Additionally, this rogue app may collect sensitive information, as the data-tracking functionalities are prevalent in advertising-supported software.
Targeted information can include browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, software like BrowserValue is linked to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BrowserValue |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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 adware samples; AnalyserNetwork, BrowserInterface, EnvironmentMax, and DisplayProgress are just some of our newest articles.
This software rarely appears suspicious or fraudulent. It tends to look ordinary and innocuous. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Remember that functional features alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did BrowserValue install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Furthermore, this software can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., pornography, scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BrowserValue, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BrowserValue adware's installation is over:
BrowserValue 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 BrowserValue?
- STEP 1. Remove BrowserValue related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BrowserValue ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BrowserValue adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BrowserValue ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
BrowserValue adware removal:
Remove BrowserValue-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is considered a privacy threat because it usually has data-tracking functionalities. Significant threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered ads, including system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses.
What does adware do?
Adware typically operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. This software may also be capable of generating redirects and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the revenue is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BrowserValue adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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