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How to remove AgentUpdater from your computer

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

What kind of application is AgentUpdater?

During our assessment, it has come to light that AgentUpdater presents users with intrusive and frequently deceptive advertisements, categorizing the application as adware. Apart from displaying unwanted ads, applications like AgentUpdater may also be programmed to collect specific information. It is recommended to uninstall AgentUpdater from affected devices.

AgentUpdater adware

AgentUpdater adware in detail

AgentUpdater, as a dubious adware-type application, may display a variety of advertisements to users, ranging from coupons, pop-ups and banners to sponsored links and in-text ads. These advertisements could promote questionable products, dubious services, or even fraudulent schemes. Given the nature of adware, these ads can be intrusive and deceptive.

For instance, users may be led to fake software download sites offering malicious programs disguised as legitimate software updates or applications. Additionally, they might land on phishing websites masquerading as reputable brands or financial institutions, aiming to trick users into disclosing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data.

Furthermore, these advertisements could lead users to websites hosting malware, including viruses, ransomware, or spyware. Clicking on these ads could inadvertently trigger the download and installation of harmful software onto users' devices.

In some cases, these shady ads may also direct users to scam websites promoting fraudulent offers, such as fake lotteries or surveys, prize giveaways, or other schemes. These schemes are designed to deceive users into parting with their money or personal information under false pretenses, resulting in financial loss or identity theft.

Overall, the advertisements displayed by AgentUpdater pose various risks to users. Another reason not to trust this app is the potential data gathering. It may collect behavioral data, browsing history, search queries, and device information. This data could be exploited for targeted advertising or sold to third-party advertisers without users' consent.

Sometimes, such apps can access sensitive information like credit card details and passwords. Thus, if AgentUpdater or a similar app is installed on a computer, it should be removed immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AgentUpdater
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.

Conclusion

In summary, AgentUpdater poses a significant threat due to its adware classification, leading to intrusive ads, data collection risks, and exposure to harmful online content. Swift removal is crucial, and users must remain cautious against similar threats to safeguard their digital security effectively.

Examples of similar programs are SyncProgress, DetailMatch, and SyncGuide.

How did AgentUpdater install on my computer?

Adware often infiltrates users' devices through inadvertent installations. It typically happens when users install free or untrustworthy programs, unaware that the installation process includes adware or other additional, unwanted software. Moreover, deceptive ads play a significant role in adware infiltration, as they often trick users into believing they are downloading useful software or tools.

Furthermore, adware developers use other tactics to spread their software, including fake updates and notifications from dubious websites. Users may also unintentionally install adware when downloading from platforms like P2P networks, unofficial app stores, and third-party downloaders.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Ensure you download apps and files from reputable sources like official websites or trusted app stores. During installation processes, carefully review the provided settings and options and deselect any included unwanted software or toolbars. Do not trust ads, pop-ups, links, and buttons found on dubious websites.

Additionally, refrain from allowing suspicious websites to show notifications, and keep your browser (and other apps) and operating system up to date. Scan your computer for threats regularly using reliable security software. If your computer is already infected with AgentUpdater, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

The message that appears after the installation of AgentUpdater adware:

AgentUpdater adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

AgentUpdater's installation folder:

AgentUpdater adware 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:

Video showing how to remove AgentUpdater adware using Combo Cleaner:

AgentUpdater adware removal:

Remove AgentUpdater-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 can lead to users encountering intrusive and disruptive advertisements, disrupting their browsing experience and consuming device resources, resulting in decreased performance. Moreover, there is a risk of privacy breaches as adware may collect user data without consent. Additionally, users become more susceptible to malware, scams, and other threats.

What does adware do?

Adware primarily functions to deliver advertisements to users, including pop-ups, banners, or other formats. In addition to its advertising role, adware may also gather user data and function as a browser hijacker.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily by promoting various products, websites, or services to users. They commonly engage in affiliate programs, earning commissions for directing traffic or boosting sales for the advertised products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AgentUpdater adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your computer to eliminate any adware-type applications. Manual removal may not always be entirely effective, as residual files could remain hidden within the system. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize tools such as Combo Cleaner to guarantee thorough removal.

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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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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.