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How to uninstall ExtendedTransaction adware from the operating system?

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

What is ExtendedTransaction?

ExtendedTransaction is an adware-type application with browser hijacker qualities. Following successful installation, this piece of rogue software delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and modifies browser settings to promote fake search engines. Additionally, ExtendedTransaction likely has data tracking abilities.

Due to the questionable methods used to distribute adware and browser hijackers, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). It is worth noting that proliferation via fake Adobe Flash Player updates is common for software like ExtendedTransaction.

ExtendedTransaction adware

ExtendedTransaction adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited website and/or different interfaces. This software can deliver pop-ups, coupons, banners, surveys, full-page, and other intrusive advertisements. These ads seriously diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety.

Intrusive adverts can be misleading, untrustworthy, and even dangerous. They endorse various sale-based pages (of both legitimate and fraudulent products), unreliable, rogue, deceptive/scam, compromised, and malicious sites. Some of these advertisements can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.

Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, with this piece of software installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.

Fraudulent search engines are seldom able to provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers can reset any changes users try to make to their browsers, and/or deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, restoring an affected browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.

What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Hence, ExtendedTransaction likely has such abilities as well. Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth.

The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties. In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. To protect device integrity and user privacy, all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed without delay.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ExtendedTransaction
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.23142), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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), 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.
▼ 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.

Adware in general

BestForMacDataBoost, and WebResultsTool are a couple examples of applications within the adware classification. They appear legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities. However, the features are seldom operational.

In fact, practically all PUAs advertise nonexistent functions. The sole purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers; they have no real value to the users. PUAs operate by running intrusive advert campaigns, hijacking browsers, causing redirects, and collecting private and vulnerable information.

How did ExtendedTransaction install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed via downloaders/installers of other products. "Bundling" is the name of this false marketing tactic - pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user permission. Some PUAs may also have "official" promotional sites from which they can be doawnloaded and/or purchased.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research products prior to download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable webpages (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).

In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the device must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with ExtendedTransaction, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ExtendedTransaction adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once ExtendedTransaction installation is complete

ExtendedTransaction adware's installation folder:

ExtendedTransaction adware install 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 ExtendedTransaction adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExtendedTransaction adware removal:

Remove ExtendedTransaction-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

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.

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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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Removal Instructions in other languages
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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