How to remove MethodApplication adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is MethodApplication?
While inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers discovered MethodApplication. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. This app operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns.
MethodApplication adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software; its goal is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. This is typically achieved by running intrusive ad campaigns – i.e., displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.
Adware-delivered adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, and so on. However, even if MethodApplication does not display advertisements – this app remains a threat to device/user safety.
It is noteworthy that AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities – yet we did not observe them during our analysis of the MethodApplication adware.
Furthermore, this app might have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for software within this classification. Adware can collect browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like MethodApplication on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MethodApplication |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Generic.3180800), 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
ActiveProcesser, BrowserValue, and AnalyserNetwork are just a couple of our newest articles on Mac-targeting adware. Software within the adware classification tends to appear legitimate and offer various "handy" features. However, it seldom operates as promised; in fact, the advertised functionalities are usually fake and nonexistent.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did MethodApplication install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using "bundling" – a marketing method that involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.
The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages and is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects produced by intrusive adverts, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
Caution is key to device and user safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading/purchasing. Download only from official and trustworthy sources. Treat installations with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, etc.
Additionally, be vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or 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 MethodApplication, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MethodApplication adware's installation is over:
MethodApplication 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 MethodApplication?
- STEP 1. Remove MethodApplication related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MethodApplication ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MethodApplication adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MethodApplication ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
MethodApplication adware removal:
Remove MethodApplication-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 ads endorse content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually gathers vulnerable user data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Adware's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MethodApplication adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware-type applications that are present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system and continue running. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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