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How to remove MegaUnit adware and the advertisements it delivers?

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

What is MegaUnit?

MegaUnit is an adware-type app with browser hijacker traits. Furthermore, due to the dubious methods used to distribute software products within these categories, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). MegaUnit has been noted being proliferated via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.

MegaUnit adware detections on VirusTotal

MegaUnit adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) on any visited webpage and/or different interfaces. The displayed adverts diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety.

Intrusive advertisements promote various sale-oriented, untrustworthy, rogue, deceptive, and even malicious websites. Furthermore, some of these ads 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. With such a piece of software installed: new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted search engine.

Illegitimate web searchers usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine search engines. What is more, browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from restoring their browsers.

Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Targeted information includes browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold third-parties.

In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by MegaUnit
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (.system) Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (.service) Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (rogue installer) Avast (MacOS:Bundlore-DY [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Bundlore.EJL), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero.ay), 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

OptimalSourceAnalyzerWindow, and PortalFlow are a couple examples of adware. Like most PUAs, this software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features, which are typically nonfunctional. Instead of delivering on any promises, unwanted applications can run intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect sensitive data.

How did MegaUnit install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed using the "bundling" technique - packing regular software with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Some PUAs may also have "official" promotional/download sites.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is important to research software and only download it from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled and harmful content.

When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, explore possible options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate, yet they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

Should users encounter such ads and/or redirects, they must check their devices and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected. If your computer is already infected with MegaUnit, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed when MegaUnit adware is present on the system:

Pop-up displayed when MegaUnit adware is detected

Text presented in this pop-up:

"MegaUnitd" will damage your computer.

 

This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

 

OK
Show in Finder

Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting MegaUnit adware;

First installation step:

Delusive installer used to promote MegaUnit adware (step 1)

Second installation step:

Delusive installer used to promote MegaUnit adware (step 2)

Files related to the MegaUnit adware that need to be removed:

  • ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.MegaUnit.service.app
  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.MegaUnit.service.plist
  • /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.MegaUnit.system
  • /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.MegaUnit.system.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like MegaUnit alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.

The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.

Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the system settings

Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the network settings

Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".

Changing proxy settings - select the connected network and click Advanced...

Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".

Changing proxy settings - untick all the options and set their settings to default

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 MegaUnit adware using Combo Cleaner:

MegaUnit adware removal:

Remove MegaUnit-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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware diminishes the browsing experience and may affect system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which makes it a threat to user privacy as well. Furthermore, the content (e.g., apps, sites, etc.) promoted through adware-delivered ads can be malicious, hence leading to other serious issues.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. The goal of this software is to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display various ads).

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting content through the adverts it displays. The developers of this software can earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove MegaUnit adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. On the other hand, manual removal may not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware itself is manually removed, file leftovers remain. Hidden within the system, such components can continue running and causing issues.

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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.

QR Code
Ads by MegaUnit QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by MegaUnit on your mobile device.
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