How to uninstall UpgradeActivity adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is UpgradeActivity?
UpgradeActivity is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. Since users typically download/install software products of this kind inadvertently - they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
UpgradeActivity adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive ads on any visited website and/or different interfaces. In addition to severely diminishing the browsing experience, the delivered advertisements endanger device/user safety. Once clicked on, the adverts redirect to untrustworthy/malicious sites, and some of them can even stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. With such a piece of software installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and web searches done via the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Illegitimate web searchers usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine search engines. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers.
Most PUAs have data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by UpgradeActivity |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), 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. |
Adware in general
AccessibilityMethod, SmartResultsNavigation, and WebResultsTool are some examples of apps within the adware classification. Most PUAs (adware included) lure users into download/installation with promises of "handy" features, which are typically nonoperational.
Functionality and user safety are irrelevant, since the only aim of unwanted apps is to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs are designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private data.
How did UpgradeActivity install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed by using the "bundling" method - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive advertisements are also used to proliferate PUAs. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Some PUAs may have "official" download webpages as well.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software and download only from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear harmless; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the device must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with UpgradeActivity, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once UpgradeActivity adware's installation is over:
UpgradeActivity adware's 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:
- What is UpgradeActivity?
- STEP 1. Remove UpgradeActivity related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UpgradeActivity ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UpgradeActivity adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UpgradeActivity ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UpgradeActivity adware using Combo Cleaner:
UpgradeActivity adware removal:
Remove UpgradeActivity-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 adware-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 exact 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 exact 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 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.
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.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the 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 regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Outstanding!
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