How to remove LeadingSystem adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LeadingSystem?
LeadingSystem is the name of an adware-type and browser-hijacking application. It displays unwanted advertisements and changes the affected browser's settings to promote a fake search engine. Usually, apps like LeadingSystem are promoted/distributed using deceptive methods. Thus, users download/install them inadvertently.
LeadingSystem adware in detail
LeadingSystem generates annoying advertisements that can open websites promoting questionable software, asking to provide sensitive information, various scams, and other untrustworthy sites. Moreover, those ads might be capable of running certain scripts and downloading/installing unwanted apps.
From the browser-hijacking perspective, LeadingSystem changes the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine to a fake search engine. That fake search engine can generate misleading results (promote dubious pages) or show results generated by untrustworthy search engines.
| Name | Ads by LeadingSystem |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| 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. |
LeadingSystem adware in general
LeadingSystem is a useless application designed to feed users with unwanted ads and force them to browse the Internet using a fake search engine. It is common that apps of this type can access/collect information about their users too. More adware examples are PrinterCyberSpace, SkillManager, and SimpleAccount.
How did LeadingSystem install on my computer?
Apps like LeadingSystem often are distributed via installers for other programs, fake installers, untrustworthy advertisements. Programs bundled with adware have "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings in their installers (or downloaders). Users download or install adware when they leave those settings unchanged.
Advertisements can download or install unwanted apps only when they are designed to run certain scripts and users click on them. Fake installers used to distribute adware usually are promoted using deceptive websites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Do not use third-party downloaders and installers, Peer-to-Peer networks, unofficial pages, or similar sources for downloading (or installing) programs, files. Files and apps should be downloaded only from official pages. Always check downloaders and installers containing "Advanced", "Custom" or similar settings for unwanted apps and deselect them.
Also, do not click on advertisements that appear on shady websites (for example, pages related to pornography, adult dating, gambling). If your computer is already infected with LeadingSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of LeadingSystem adware:
LeadingSystem's Contents 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 LeadingSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove LeadingSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LeadingSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LeadingSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LeadingSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LeadingSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
LeadingSystem adware removal:
Remove LeadingSystem-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 slow down a computer, diminish web browsing experience and cause issues related to online privacy, browsing safety.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to generate advertisements. However, software of this type can also be designed to gather personal information and (or) promote a fake search engine.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is monetized by using it to promote various products, services, websites. A big part of the revenue is generated using affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LeadingSystem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware. It is recommended to remove it automatically (using specialized software). When adware is removed manually, some of its components remain in the system even after the removal.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion