How to eliminate QueueAlgorithm adware from Mac

What kind of application is QueueAlgorithm?

Our research team discovered QueueAlgorithm during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software generates revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

QueueAlgorithm adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, it operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

Certain conditions may be necessary for this software to function as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc. However, regardless of whether QueueAlgorithm delivers advertisements – it endangers device and user safety.

Ads displayed by adware commonly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of these adverts can carry them out upon being clicked.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

It is noteworthy that applications belonging to the AdLoad group often exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing QueueAlgorithm.

Advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the QueueAlgorithm app. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like QueueAlgorithm on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Adware examples

We have examined countless adware-type apps; BufferView, OrderPlans, ActiveProcesser, and AnalyserNetwork are just a few of our latest articles. Software within this category rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious. It tends to look ordinary and harmless.

Adware can also offer a wide variety of useful functionalities that seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that even if an app or a browser extension operates as described by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did QueueAlgorithm install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. These pre-packed installers can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts from downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installations must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, and so on.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

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

QueueAlgorithm adware removal:

Remove QueueAlgorithm-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat, as the software usually possesses data-tracking abilities. Most of the threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-displayed advertisements, including system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove QueueAlgorithm adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.