Removing AgentAdmin adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is AgentAdmin?
During a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team found the AgentAdmin application. After analyzing this app, we learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware), and it also belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
AgentAdmin adware overview
Advertising-supported software may need the browser/system or user geolocation to be compatible, visits to certain websites, or other conditions - to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display adverts). However, regardless of whether AgentAdmin (or other adware) delivers ads - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software - when clicked.
It is noteworthy that reputable developers are highly unlikely to use or approve of adware to promote their products, yet they can be encountered through these adverts. This promotion is actually undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, AgentAdmin might have browser hijacker traits since they are common for AdLoad adware; however, this app did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, AgentAdmin may also have data tracking functionalities. Adware-supported software usually targets browsing data, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, financial/banking information, etc. The collected data can be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of adware on systems can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AgentAdmin |
| 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), McAfee (RDN/Generic.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. |
Adware examples
SoftwareHelper, GuideService, OnlinePlatform, and NavigateSystem are just some examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software looks legitimate and offers "useful" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did AgentAdmin install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using various questionable methods. Bundling - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is commonly used in distribution. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated through fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers. Intrusive ads spread this software as well. Once clicked on, the advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can have "official" download webpages. Most users enter such websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and using only official/verified download channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
It is just as important to be vigilant when browsing, as illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous, but they redirect to unreliable/dubious sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AgentAdmin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AgentAdmin adware's installation is over:
AgentAdmin 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 AgentAdmin?
- STEP 1. Remove AgentAdmin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AgentAdmin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AgentAdmin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AgentAdmin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AgentAdmin adware using Combo Cleaner:
AgentAdmin adware removal:
Remove AgentAdmin-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 endangers device integrity and user safety. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, this software is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data tracking abilities. Adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is to display advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces; however, it may also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly via affiliate programs by receiving commissions for the endorsement of various websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AgentAdmin adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove all detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various files might remain in the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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