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Removal instructions for the LaunchBrowser adware-type application

Also Known As: Ads by LaunchBrowser
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is LaunchBrowser?

Our research team discovered LaunchBrowser while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After inspecting this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, LaunchBrowser is part of the AdLoad malware family.

LaunchBrowser adware

LaunchBrowser adware overview

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner 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 might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether LaunchBrowser delivers adverts – it remains a threat to device and user safety.

While AdLoad apps often have browser hijacker qualities, the LaunchBrowser adware did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like LaunchBrowser on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by LaunchBrowser
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Adware examples

We have examined countless adware-type apps; PositiveProcessorPrimeVersion, and TransformFusion are just a couple of examples.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that operational features do not serve as a definitive indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did LaunchBrowser install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to proliferate adware.

Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

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

Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look ordinary and innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once LaunchBrowser installation is complete

LaunchBrowser adware's installation folder:

LaunchBrowser adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove LaunchBrowser adware using Combo Cleaner:

LaunchBrowser adware removal:

Remove LaunchBrowser-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.

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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also classed as a privacy threat, as adware usually collects private information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various sites, applications, extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove LaunchBrowser adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware-type apps installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system following the adware's manual removal. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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About the author:

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. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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