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How to remove AdvancedServices adware and the adverts displayed by it?

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

What is AdvancedServices?

AdvancedServices is a piece of rogue software classified as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. Due to the dubious methods used to distribute apps of this type, they are considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

AdvancedServices adware

AdvancedServices adware overview

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

These adverts endorse various untrustworthy, sale-based, rogue, deceptive/scam, compromised, and even malicious websites. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) stealthily - upon being clicked.

Browser hijackers cause redirects to fake search engines when new browser tabs/windows are opened and web searches are done via the URL bar. This is achieved by setting the promoted search engine's address as browsers' default, and their homepage and new tab/window URLs.

Fraudulent search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to stop users from restoring their browsers.

What is more, most PUAs can track data. The collected information (e.g., browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, etc.) is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties. To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AdvancedServices
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.
▼ 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

DataFileAnalogSet, and OperativeResults are a few examples of adware. This software looks legitimate and innocuous. It also typically offers useful features, which do not work. These qualities are common for all PUAs. Instead of delivering on any promises, unwanted apps can run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and gather private data.

How did AdvancedServices install on my computer?

PUAs can be downloaded/installed alongside other programs. This marketing technique is called "bundling". Intrusive advertisements distribute unwanted applications as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Some PUAs also have "official" promotional/download pages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software and download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - commonly offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive adverts appear harmless, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once AdvancedServices installation is complete

AdvancedServices adware's installation folder:

AdvancedServices 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 AdvancedServices adware using Combo Cleaner:

AdvancedServices adware removal:

Remove AdvancedServices-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 can negatively affect the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, this software typically has data tracking abilities that make it a privacy threat. What is more, adware-delivered ads can be misleading or malicious and cause other serious problems.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., this software displays various advertisements on any visited website and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, etc. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AdvancedServices adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal might be insufficient. Sometimes, even after the software itself is (manually) deleted - leftover files remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, such remnants 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.

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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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