How to remove CentralLot adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove CentralLot adware from Mac computers
What is CentralLot?
CentralLot is a rogue application categorized as adware with browser hijacker traits. It operates by running intrusive ad campaigns, making changes to browser settings and promoting fake search engines. CentralLot promotes Safe Finder through akamaihd.net in this way. Most adware-type apps and browser hijackers monitor browsing activity, and CentralLot is likely to have these data tracking capabilities as well. Due to the dubious techniques employed to proliferate this app, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
Adware delivers various intrusive advertisements such as pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page, etc. These significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed. Additionally, when clicked, intrusive ads can redirect to dubious/malicious websites and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of fake search engines. CentralLot also makes these modifications to browsers to promote Safe Finder via akamaihd.net. With this software installed, every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. Rogue search engines are seldom able to provide unique results, and so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo and other genuine sites. Browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to browser settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. As mentioned, most unwanted applications (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Information of interest includes browsing and search engine histories, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, geolocations and other details. The collected data usually contains personally identifiable information. Furthermore, PUA developers often share/sell this information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), seeking to likewise misuse it for profit. To summarize, the presence of rogue software on devices can result in system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by CentralLot |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. |
Docallisec, ExpertLookupEngine and SearchWebPortal are some examples of other adware-type apps. They appear normal and lure users into download/installation with offers of "useful" features, however, the promised functionality are rarely operational and this extends to most PUAs. , since the only purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and track private data.
How did CentralLot install on my computer?
PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other products. This false marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling". Rushing downloads/installations (e.g. ignoring terms, using pre-set options, etc.) increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device. Some PUAs have "official" promotional web pages, from which they can be downloaded. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. When clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are strongly advised to research all software before download/installation. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Untrusted download channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, you are advised to read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). If you encounter these ads/redirects, check the system and remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with CentralLot, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CentralLot installation is complete:
CentralLot redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:
CentralLot adware installation folder:
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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is CentralLot?
- STEP 1. Remove CentralLot related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CentralLot ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CentralLot adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CentralLot ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CentralLot adware using Combo Cleaner:
CentralLot adware removal:
Remove CentralLot-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 ads by centrallot 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.
Ads by CentralLot removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by centrallot 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 ads by centrallot 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 ads by centrallot 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.
Outstanding!
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