How to eliminate EssentialProcesser adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is EssentialProcesser?
Our research team found the EssentialProcesser application while inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After investigating this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). EssentialProcesser belongs to the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.
EssentialProcesser adware overview
Adware displays advertisements on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others. This third-party graphical content predominantly promotes online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content may be encountered via these adverts – it is highly unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether the EssentialProcesser application displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these abilities while testing EssentialProcesser.
This rogue app likely collects private user information. Adware typically targets the following data: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software like EssentialProcesser may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EssentialProcesser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to 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
We have examined numerous adware-type applications; FontResultsMultitask, ExplorerMainFrame, EssentialEntry – are just a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did EssentialProcesser install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to proliferate adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system.
Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialProcesser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EssentialProcesser adware's installation is over:
EssentialProcesser 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 EssentialProcesser?
- STEP 1. Remove EssentialProcesser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EssentialProcesser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EssentialProcesser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EssentialProcesser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EssentialProcesser adware using Combo Cleaner:
EssentialProcesser adware removal:
Remove EssentialProcesser-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 displays ads that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as this software usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions may include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, products, services, apps, extensions, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialProcesser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and remove all adware-type applications installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. These components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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