Removal instructions for the ActivityConsole adware-type application

What kind of application is ActivityConsole?

Our research team discovered the ActivityConsole app during a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

ActivityConsole adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

These adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Keep in mind that any legitimate content encountered via these ads is 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 products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be necessary for this software to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular webpages, etc.). However, if ActivityConsole or other adware does not display adverts – their presence on a system remains a threat nonetheless.

While AdLoad apps commonly have browser hijacker qualities, the ActivityConsole adware did not exhibit them during our analysis.

What is more, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ActivityConsole on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ActivityConsole
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), 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. ▼ 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 investigated thousands of adware-type apps; WinPersonalWebsite, WirePersonalTech, CacheManager, DebugCompile, LaunchImprovment, and VideoEthernetInteger are just some examples.

Advertising-supported software typically looks harmless and offers various functionalities. However, these features are usually fake and nonoperational. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ActivityConsole install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. The danger of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users mainly access these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. Some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

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

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove ActivityConsole adware using Combo Cleaner:

ActivityConsole adware removal:

Remove ActivityConsole-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. Furthermore, adware can have data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ActivityConsole adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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