Removing ElementryCheck adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ElementryCheck?
ElementryCheck is a rogue app that our researchers discovered during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing it, we determined that ElementryCheck operates as adware. Additionally, we learned that this piece of software belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ElementryCheck adware overview
Following successful installation onto our test machine, ElementryCheck began displaying various advertisements. It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to be met (e.g., compatible device/browser specs or user geolocation, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, even if ElementryCheck (or other adware) does not deliver ads - that does not mean that its presence on a system is harmless.
Adware-displayed adverts promote untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software stealthily.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This marketing technique is commonly used by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, ElementryCheck may have browser hijacker qualities, although it did not exhibit any during testing. Our extensive experience researching AdLoad adware suggests that such functionalities are common.
What is more, advertising-supported software typically collects sensitive data, e.g., browsing activity, personally identifiable details, account usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information is monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like ElementryCheck on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ElementryCheck |
| 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. |
Adware examples
FreshSkill, TradeValor, NetMacro, and ProjectSource are just some examples of adware. This software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did ElementryCheck install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the "bundling" method - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.
Intrusive adverts are used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can have "official" promotional/download webpages, which are typically accessed inadvertently. Most users enter them via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also advise exercising caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to look harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you encounter such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ElementryCheck, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ElementryCheck adware's installation is over:
ElementryCheck 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 ElementryCheck?
- STEP 1. Remove ElementryCheck related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ElementryCheck ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ElementryCheck adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ElementryCheck ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ElementryCheck adware using Combo Cleaner:
ElementryCheck adware removal:
Remove ElementryCheck-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 browsing quality and system performance. It is also a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software or adware - is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces). Additionally, some types can force-open unreliable/malicious sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from promoting websites, products, services, or similar - for various affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or others.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ElementryCheck adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind. What is more, these components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
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