FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Removal instructions for ComputingInteractive adware and the ads it displays

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

What is ComputingInteractive?

ComputingInteractive is a rogue app our researchers discovered while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing it, we determined that this application operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.

ComputingInteractive adware

ComputingInteractive adware overview

It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may need the browser/device or user geolocation to be compatible, users to visit particular websites, or other specifics to be met - in order to display advertisements. However, regardless of whether ComputingInteractive (or other adware) delivers ad campaigns or not - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software - once clicked.

It is pertinent to mention that reputable developers do not use these ads to endorse their products, yet they can be encountered through them nonetheless. This promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

ComputingInteractive may have browser hijacker abilities since they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we have not observed any while this app was installed onto our test system.

What ComputingInteractive does have - are data tracking functionalities. This adware targets browsing data, personally identifiable details, telephone numbers, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. The developers of advertising-supported software monetize collected data through sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ComputingInteractive
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25853), 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

SmartProductsShareAdvantageTechPartition, and HorizonLiving are just some examples of the advertising-supported software we have analyzed.

This software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also poses a threat to device integrity and user privacy.

How did ComputingInteractive install on my computer?

Bundling - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Fake Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.

Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is often pushed through deceptive download sites. Most users enter such websites through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, pages using rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements are used to spread adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, when installing - it is important to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

We also advise exercising caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once ComputingInteractive installation is complete

ComputingInteractive adware's installation folder:

ComputingInteractive adware install folder

ComputingInteractive adware installed onto a Safari browser:

ComputingInteractive adware installed onto Safari

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 ComputingInteractive adware using Combo Cleaner:

ComputingInteractive adware removal:

Remove ComputingInteractive-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 typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and 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 webpages and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open sites and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers primarily profit through affiliate programs by getting commissions for the endorsement of websites, software, services, products, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ComputingInteractive adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security program) might be ineffective. In some instances, although the software itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain hidden in the system. What is more, such components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by ComputingInteractive QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ComputingInteractive on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.