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Removal instructions for ShareAdvantage adware and the ads it displays

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

What is ShareAdvantage?

ShareAdvantage is a rogue app that our researchers found when a user reported it on a support forum. After analyzing this application, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). Furthermore, ShareAdvantage is part of the AdLoad malware family.

ShareAdvantage adware

ShareAdvantage adware overview

Adware may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display adverts). For example, unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, visits to specific websites are made, or similar - adware might not deliver advertisements. However, the presence of ShareAdvantage (or other advertising-supported software) on a system endangers device/user safety regardless of whether it runs ad campaigns.

Adware-displayed advertisements endorse untrustworthy/hazardous websites and apps, scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can infiltrate software into systems upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers who use affiliate programs to fraudulently obtain commissions.

ShareAdvantage might have browser hijacker functionalities since they are typical for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during our analysis.

Furthermore, this piece of software may have data tracking abilities. Adware usually collects browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ShareAdvantage on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ShareAdvantage
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25874), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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 examples

TechPartitionSolveCenter, and DynamicGrid are just a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software typically appears harmless and offers "handy" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did ShareAdvantage install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using various deceptive/questionable methods. It can be bundled with (packed into installation setups of) ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting 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 used in distribution as well. Advertising-supported software is also spread through intrusive ads. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, which are rarely accessed intentionally. Most users enter such pages via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive advertisements, spam browser notifications, or adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official and verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care, which entails - reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is exercising caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads look innocuous, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such advertisements/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ShareAdvantage, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once ShareAdvantage installation is complete

Screenshot of ShareAdvantage's extension in Safari web browser:

ShareAdvantage adware Safari extension

ShareAdvantage adware's installation folder:

ShareAdvantage 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 ShareAdvantage adware using Combo Cleaner:

ShareAdvantage adware removal:

Remove ShareAdvantage-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as this software typically collects private data. What is more, adware-delivered adverts can promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ShareAdvantage adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is important to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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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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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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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.