How to eliminate the CentralHint adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is CentralHint?
While investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers discovered CentralHint. After examining this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). It is part of the AdLoad malware family. CentralHint operates by delivering intrusive advert campaigns, and it may also have other harmful capabilities.
CentralHint adware overview
Adware typically places third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces. These advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are 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 content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to certain websites, etc.). However, even if CentralHint does not deliver adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these qualities while testing the CentralHint adware.
Software within this classification usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to CentralHint. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, advertising-supported software like CentralHint may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CentralHint |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-AHU [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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
PracticalUpdater, LocalAgent, and WirelessBrowser are merely a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Software within this category usually appears genuine and innocuous.
Users may be enticed to download/install adware by promises of various functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. It must be emphasized that operational features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did CentralHint install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware.
Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of inadvertently permitting bundled content to infiltrate the device.
Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations. These ads spread advertising-supported software as well.
Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Another recommendation is to download only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we advise caution when browsing. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or 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 CentralHint, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CentralHint adware's installation is over:
CentralHint 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 CentralHint?
- STEP 1. Remove CentralHint related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CentralHint ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CentralHint adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CentralHint ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CentralHint adware using Combo Cleaner:
CentralHint adware removal:
Remove CentralHint-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?
The presence of adware on a device may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware-delivered adverts promote content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually collects sensitive data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Software within this classification might also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing various websites, products, software, services, and other content. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CentralHint adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system – after the software has been manually removed. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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