How to remove IndexerParameter adware from the operating system

Mac Virus

Also Known As: Ads by IndexerParameter

Damage level:

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What kind of application is IndexerParameter?

While reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered the IndexerParameter application. Upon examination, we learned that this app operates as adware. IndexerParameter belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

IndexerParameter adware

IndexerParameter adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, software within this classification displays advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Regardless of whether IndexerParameter delivers ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-displayed ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations. Note that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Many apps from the AdLoad family possess browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe them during our analysis of the IndexerParameter application.

Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of IndexerParameter. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, adware like IndexerParameter is linked to the following threats – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by IndexerParameter
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Generic.3182954), 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 (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.

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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.

Adware examples

We have investigated thousands of adware-type apps; DisplayExplorer, AccessFrequency, and WebImprovment are merely a couple of our newest articles.

Despite its typically legitimate/innocuous appearance – advertising-supported software rarely operates as promised. Its "useful" and "advantageous" features are usually fake and nonfunctional.

Yet keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as advertised – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did IndexerParameter install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements. These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other dubious sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional pages and is endorsed on scam sites. These webpages are mainly accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installations must be approached with care by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and dangerous content. For example, while intrusive ads may appear ordinary/harmless – they redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering adverts/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 IndexerParameter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once IndexerParameter installation is complete

IndexerParameter adware's installation folder:

IndexerParameter adware install 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:

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Quick menu:

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

IndexerParameter adware removal:

Remove IndexerParameter-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. 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.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually collects vulnerable information – hence, adware is also considered a privacy threat. Significant dangers are posed by the content endorsed through adware-displayed advertisements, including system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites, desktops, or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove IndexerParameter adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and remove all adware-type applications that are present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.

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Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas

Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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