How to avoid installation of AdLoad malware

What is AdLoad?

AdLoad is malicious software that targets macOS operating systems. It is capable of avoiding detection by built-in macOS security tools and a number of third party antivirus programs and other security suites of this type. Furthermore, it prevents victims from removing the software from operating systems.

AdLoad is adware-type malware that hijacks browsers and forces users to visit potentially malicious websites. This enables cyber criminals to generate revenue .

Research shows that AdLoad is not the only name used for this malware. It is also known by Kreberisec, ApolloSearchDaemon, AphroditeResults, NetSignalSearchDaemon, ApolloSearch, and many others. We have provided a list of alternative names below.

This adware-type malware often has "SearchDaemon", "Lookup", "DataSearch" and "Results" within its name. AdLoad stores its files in various directories. Some of these files can be found easily, whilst others are more elusive. In any case, it can only perform these actions when the victim provides the password of an admin account.

This malware stores its two LaunchDaemon files in the local domain Library and the LaunchAgent file in the local user Library. For example, if this malware uses the "DataSearch" name, it stores "com.DataSearch.plist" in "~/Library/LaunchAgents/" and targets the executable file in "~/Library/Application Support/com.DataSearch/DataSearch".

It then stores "com.DataSearchDaemon.plist" in "~/Library/LaunchDaemons/", which targets "~/Library/Application Support/com.DataSearchDaemon/DataSearch" and "com.DataSearchP.plist" in "~/Library/LaunchDaemons/" - this targets a Mach-O executable "DataSearchDaemon" in "/var/root/.SearchQuest/DataSearchDaemon".

The last item calls a python script ("DataSearch.py"), which opens a connection with a remote host. To maintain persistence, DataSearch also creates a hidden directory ("/var/root/.mitmproxy"). Moreover, this malware installs user cronjob and an executable in a subfolder of the victim's Library Application Support folder.

Injected code is designed to run every two hours and thirty minutes. People who have AdLoad installed on their macOS systems involuntary help cyber criminals to generate revenue by being forced to visit various websites, which are preferred by the attackers.

Threat Summary:

Name	AdLoad virus
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names (Player(3).dmg)	BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Adload.IZ), Emsisoft (Adware.MAC.Adload.IZ (B)), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Ketin.d), MaxSecure (Trojan.Malware.74395934.susgen), Full List (VirusTotal)
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), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Appearance of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites.
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.

Manual removal of AdLoad malware can be a difficult task. All components must be removed such as launch agent, daemon, cron job files, and processes in "/var/root".

It is very likely that AdLoad will rewrite/recreate these during its manual removal process, however, repeatedly removing the aforementioned files and processes should eventually eliminate AdLoad malware from the system.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

AdLoad is distributed through various rogue installers of potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) and adware.

For example, via installation set-ups of fake Flash Players. Typically, these installers are distributed through unofficial, deceptive, scam websites - these trick people into downloading and executing a setup file that installs unwanted/malicious software, including adware-type malware such as AdLoad.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

To protect systems from installation of malicious software, do not download software, files, or any content from unofficial websites, using Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders, and so on. The only safe way to download files and programs is using official websites.

If a download or installation set-ups contains settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", etc., check them carefully and dismiss offers to download and/or install additional (unwanted) software. Do not update software using fake, unofficial updaters that were downloaded from dubious web pages.

We strongly recommend that you update installed software through tools and/or implemented functions designed by official developers. Do not click intrusive ads, especially if displayed on dubious web pages - they often lead to dubious sites that trick people into installing unwanted software, or they run scripts that download and install it.

Scan the operating system with reputable antivirus software regularly and ensure that it is up to date. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

List of known alternative names used for AdLoad malware:

AlphaLookup	AphroditeLookup	AphroditeResults
ApolloSearch	AresLookup	ArtemisSearch
BinarySignSearch	CalypsoLookup	DataFormatSearch
DataQuest	ElementaryDataSearch	ElementaryInfoSearch
ElementaryProjectSearch	ExpertCharacterSearch	ExpertModuleSearch
ExpertProjectSearch	FindData	GlobalConsoleSearch
GlobalQuestSearch	GlobalSearchQuest	GoldResults
InetWebSearch	KeyWordsSearch	Kreberisec
LeadingChannelSearch	LeadingSignSearch	LookupTool
MainSignalSearch	MajorChannelSearch	MajorLetterSearch
NetLookupSearch	NetToolboxSearch	OdysseusLookup
OperativeResults	PositiveSearch	PublicAdviseSearch
QuickLookSearches	ResultSearchManager	ResultSync
ResultsSync	SearchAdditionally	SearchArchive
SearchNetCharacter	SearchOptical	SearchQuest
SearchRange	SimpleBoardSearch	SimpleFunctionSearch
SkilledProjectSearch	SmartQuestSearch	SmartWebSearch
Sorimbrsec	TabSearch	TechFunctionSearch
TotalAdviseSearch	UpgradeSearchView	VirtualToolboxSearch
WebSearchStride	PoseidonResults

Installer of a Fake Flash Player, which is designed to install AdLoad malware:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 AdLoad?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove 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 adload virus 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.

AdLoad virus removal from Internet browsers:

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Remove adload virus related Safari extensions:

Open 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 normal browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Remove adload virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:

Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".

Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Remove adload virus related Google Chrome add-ons:

Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".

In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

1 Comment. Click to view

Jay

I encountered this today on a relative's computer with the executable name "SkilledObject.dp". "SkilledObject" could be added to the name list in the article. I would in fact assume that the name could be procedurally generated.