How to remove WireNavigate adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is WireNavigate?
WireNavigate is a rogue app, which our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
WireNavigate adware overview
Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (display ads), e.g., compatible browser/device specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, regardless of whether WireNavigate (or other adware) delivers advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts primarily promote untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements are capable of infiltrating software into systems - upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products encountered through these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by cyber criminals who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
What is more, WireNavigate may have browser hijacker abilities, as they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during our analysis.
This piece of software may also have data tracking functionalities. Adware usually collects browsing data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and other vulnerable information. The collected data is then monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like WireNavigate on devices - can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by WireNavigate |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26085), 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
CommonLocator, SmartLauncher, and DaemonLogoffCompile are just a few examples of the adware-type apps we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software typically appears harmless and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did WireNavigate install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using various deceptive methods. It can be bundled (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Download from dubious sources (e.g., P2P sharing networks, unofficial and freeware sites, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware proliferation as well. Additionally, once clicked on, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to stealthily download/install advertising-supported and other unwanted software.
Adware may also have "official" download pages, which are rarely accessed intentionally. Most users enter them via redirects caused by intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software products and downloading them only from official/trustworthy sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also advise exercising caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content tends to appear legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience ads/redirects of this kind, check your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WireNavigate, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once WireNavigate adware's installation is over:
WireNavigate adware's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 WireNavigate?
- STEP 1. Remove WireNavigate related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove WireNavigate ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove WireNavigate adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove WireNavigate ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove WireNavigate adware using Combo Cleaner:
WireNavigate adware removal:
Remove WireNavigate-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 ads by wirenavigate 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Ads by WireNavigate removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by wirenavigate related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by wirenavigate related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by wirenavigate related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware endangers device and user safety. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-displayed 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 is designed to enable the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers mainly profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WireNavigate adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, various files remain hidden in the system despite the software being removed. What is more, such remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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