How to remove WebAdmin adware and the ads it displays

What kind of application is WebAdmin?

WebAdmin is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of the new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this app, we learned that it is adware. WebAdmin is part of the AdLoad malware family.

WebAdmin adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software; its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, this software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces.

However, specific conditions may be required for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to certain websites, etc.). Even if WebAdmin does not deliver adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-displayed ads can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, WebAdmin might have browser-hijacking abilities since they are standard for AdLoad applications. However, we did not deserve these qualities while analyzing said application.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and WebAdmin may have them as well. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be shared with or sold to third-parties.

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

Adware examples

MethodApplication, BufferView, and OrderPlans are merely a couple of our latest articles on adware. Typically, this software appears legitimate and offers handy functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did WebAdmin install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are mainly accessed via redirects produced by sites that employ rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Additionally, adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise vigilance when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WebAdmin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

WebAdmin adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic 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 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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

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

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

WebAdmin adware removal:

Remove WebAdmin-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 that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The software's presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also considered a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove WebAdmin adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan computers and remove detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.