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How to eliminate ExecutiveBrowser adware

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

What kind of application is ExecutiveBrowser?

We have discovered the ExecutiveBrowser application on a shady website offering to download an update for the Adobe Flash Player. After testing the app, we found that it generates advertisements - it functions as adware. Ads displayed by adware downloaded from untrustworthy sources cannot be trusted.

ExecutiveBrowser adware

ExecutiveBrowser adware in detail

ExecutiveBrowser displays advertisements that can open untrustworthy websites (e.g., download pages for questionable apps, various scams). Moreover, those ads can download or even install shady/potentially malicious applications. Thus, it is highly advisable not to trust ads displayed by apps like ExecutiveBrowser.

Our malware researchers have examined many apps like ExecutiveBrowser and found that some of them can hijack web browsers by changing their settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Those apps promote fake search engines that can generate misleading results, redirect to shady websites, and (or) show results generated by other dubious search engines.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ExecutiveBrowser
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.h), 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.

More about adware

One more reason not to have adware installed on a browser or the operating system is that it can be used to collect various information. In such cases, users are at risk of having their identities and personal accounts stolen and (or) or experiencing other problems related to online privacy, and browsing safety.

More adware examples are CommonOperation, CapacityMegabyte, MajorLauncher.

How did ExecutiveBrowser install on my computer?

Most advertising-supported apps are distributed using deceptive websites (for example, download pages for fake installers), shady advertisements, and downloaders/installers for other programs. In the third case, adware can be found included in downloaders and installers as an optional download or installation.

Users download or install adware alongside other software when they do not change "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings before finishing downloads or installations. In most cases, users download or install adware unintentionally.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download programs (and files) from legitimate sources such as official websites and platforms. Do not trust apps promoted on shady websites or use third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources to download them.

Deselect optional downloads and installations before downloading and installing programs bundled with unwanted apps. Avoid clicking on advertisements showing up on dubious pages. Do not allow shady websites to show notifications or click suspicious buttons on them.

If your computer is already infected with ExecutiveBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of ExecutiveBrowser adware:

executivebrowser adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

ExecutiveBrowser's Contents folder:

executivebrowser adware contents 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 ExecutiveBrowser adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExecutiveBrowser adware removal:

Remove ExecutiveBrowser-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 slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience, invade privacy, and cause more problems.

What does adware do?

Usually, adware displays annoying advertisements. However, it can have additional functionality (it can gather various data and hijack web browsers).

How do adware developers generate revenue?

They use adware to promote various products, websites, and (or) services. Most of their income is generated via affiliate programs and in similar ways.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExecutiveBrowser adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware and other unwanted software. There will be no files belonging to adware left in the system after the removal, which is often a problem when removing adware manually.

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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.

QR Code
Ads by ExecutiveBrowser QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ExecutiveBrowser on your mobile device.
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Platform: macOS

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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.