How to eliminate MicroBrowser adware from Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is MicroBrowser?
MicroBrowser is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware. MicroBrowser belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
MicroBrowser adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, this software displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if MicroBrowser does not display advertisements – this application threatens device integrity and user safety.
Adware-delivered ads can promote online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and malware. Another concern is their ability to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their developers or other official parties. This endorsement is most likely performed by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking capabilities – however, the MicroBrowser app did not exhibit them during our analysis.
Additionally, advertising-supported software tends to have data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to MicroBrowser.
Adware usually gathers the following information: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like MicroBrowser on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MicroBrowser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), 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
MethodApplication, ActiveProcesser, and BrowserValue are just a couple of our latest articles on adware-type apps. Usually, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Remember that even if a piece of software operates exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did MicroBrowser install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. They are mainly accessed via redirects produced by intrusive ads, sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installations must be approached with caution, e.g., by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and dangerous content. For example, intrusive ads may appear harmless – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MicroBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MicroBrowser adware's installation is over:
MicroBrowser 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 MicroBrowser?
- STEP 1. Remove MicroBrowser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MicroBrowser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MicroBrowser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MicroBrowser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
MicroBrowser adware removal:
Remove MicroBrowser-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?
Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware is also classed as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MicroBrowser adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Remember that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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