How to remove CompactFilter adware and the advertisements it displays?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is CompactFilter?
CompactFilter is an adware-type app that has browser hijacker abilities. Since most users download/install software products of this kind inadvertently, they are also categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
CompactFilter adware overview
Adware can display intrusive advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. In addition to diminishing browsing quality, these adverts also endanger device and user safety. The delivered ads promote various untrustworthy, deceptive, and malicious sites. Some intrusive ads are even capable of stealthily downloading/installing software (e.g., PUAs) - when clicked.
Browser hijackers cause redirects to fake search engines by setting their addresses as browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and default search engine URLs. Fraudulent web searchers are typically incapable of providing search results, so they redirect to legitimate search engines (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.). Furthermore, hijacker software tends to use persistence-ensuring tactics to prevent browser recovery.
What is more, both adware and browser hijackers are infamous for their data tracking activities. This software can record users browsing and search engine histories and collect sensitive information obtained from them (e.g., IP addresses, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc.). The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted applications on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CompactFilter |
| 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.G), 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. |
Potentially unwanted applications in general
MultiSet, LeadingProtocol, and AdvancedServices are a few examples of apps similar to CompactFilter. PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) usually look legitimate and lure users into download/installation with "useful" features, which are rarely operational. Functionality and user safety are irrelevant since the only aim of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for their developers.
How did CompactFilter install on my computer?
PUAs are spread via downloaders/installers of other programs; this technique is called "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive ads proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. PUAs may also have "official" promotional/download pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is strongly advised to research software and download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear genuine, yet they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects - inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CompactFilter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CompactFilter adware's installation is over:
CompactFilter 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 CompactFilter?
- STEP 1. Remove CompactFilter related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CompactFilter ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CompactFilter adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CompactFilter ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CompactFilter adware using Combo Cleaner:
CompactFilter adware removal:
Remove CompactFilter-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease system performance and affect the browsing experience. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious problems.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software or adware - is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, it operates by displaying various ads on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware primarily profits through affiliate programs by promoting websites, apps, products, and other content. The developers of this software can earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CompactFilter adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal is not always a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) eliminated - various file leftovers remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue running and causing issues.
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