How to uninstall the LeadingLibrary adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove LeadingLibrary adware from Mac?
What is LeadingLibrary?
LeadingLibrary is a rogue application, classified as adware and it also has browser hijacker traits. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and makes modifications to browser settings - in order to promote fake search engines. In addition, most software of this type (both adware and browser hijackers) collect browsing-related information. Due to the dubious techniques used to distribute LeadingLibrary, it is considered to be a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) as well.
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons and other intrusive adverts - typically, on any visited website. These ads diminish the browsing quality, as they overlay page content and slow down the browsing speed. Furthermore, once clicked on, intrusive advertisements redirect to various unreliable/malicious sites and some can even stealthily download/install software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers assign the addresses of fake web searchers as browsers' homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs. Hence, with such a piece of software installed: every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address. Fake search engines are seldom able to provide search results, so they tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Bing, Google and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers reset any changes users attempt to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browsers' settings outright. As mentioned in the introduction, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. They monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This sensitive data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed without delay.
| Name | Ads by LeadingLibrary |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| 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), 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. |
MegaSource, MicroLookup, SkillFormat and StandardBoost are some examples of other adware-type apps. They appear ordinary and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with offers of various "useful" functionalities. However, the advertised functions are rarely operational. This applies to practically all PUAs. The sole purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant. PUAs are designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers and collect vulnerable information.
How did LeadingLibrary install on my computer?
Select PUAs have "official" download webpages. However, they are more commonly downloaded/installed together with other programs. This false marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g. ignored terms, skipped steps, used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without user consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software products before download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Since untrustworthy download channels, e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders - often offer deceptive and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, functions, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate, however they redirect to various unreliable and dubious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with LeadingLibrary, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LeadingLibrary adware's installation is over:
LeadingLibrary adware's 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 LeadingLibrary?
- STEP 1. Remove LeadingLibrary related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LeadingLibrary ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LeadingLibrary adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LeadingLibrary ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LeadingLibrary adware using Combo Cleaner:
LeadingLibrary adware removal:
Remove LeadingLibrary-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 leadinglibrary 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 LeadingLibrary removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by leadinglibrary 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 leadinglibrary 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 leadinglibrary 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!
Click to post a comment