How to remove ExpandedFraction adware from Mac

What kind of application is ExpandedFraction?

Our researchers found the ExpandedFraction app while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After inspecting this application, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ExpandedFraction is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

ExpandedFraction adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces like visited webpages, desktops, or others.

These ads diminish user experience and can promote harmful content (e.g., online scams, unwanted software, malware, etc.). When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that any genuine content encountered via said adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware might need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ExpandedFraction does not deliver ad campaigns – its presence threatens device integrity and user safety.

It is pertinent to mention that browser-hijacking abilities are prevalent in AdLoad applications. Yet, we did not observe these functionalities while testing the ExpandedFraction app.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically collects sensitive user data, and ExpandedFraction may have such ability as well. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like ExpandedFraction on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

MicroBrowser, MethodApplication, ActiveProcesser, and BrowserValue are just some of our latest articles on Mac-targeting adware.

Usually, advertising-supported software looks legitimate and offers useful functionalities. However, these features rarely work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ExpandedFraction install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by being inattentive when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on genuine-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed through redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software directly as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts 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/verified sources. Installations must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

ExpandedFraction 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:

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.

Quick menu:

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

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

ExpandedFraction adware removal:

Remove ExpandedFraction-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 delivers advertisements promoting content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Its presence can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking capabilities – therefore, it is considered a privacy threat as well.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Adware's primary capabilities can include displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedFraction adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.