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Removal instructions for the ZipSome adware and the ads it delivers

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

What is ZipSome?

ZipSome is an adware-type application that we discovered during a routine inspection of new VirusTotal detections. We learned that this app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display) ads. Furthermore, we determined that ZipSome belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

ZipSome adware

ZipSome adware overview

Adware-delivered advertisements primarily endorse untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive ads are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - once clicked.

Any genuine products encountered via these adverts are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.) to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. However, whether ZipSome (or other adware) displays advertisements is irrelevant - since its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.

Furthermore, ZipSome might have browser hijacker qualities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although this app did not exhibit any during our analysis.

ZipSome may also have data tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like ZipSome on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ZipSome
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26308), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.a), 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

We have analyzed countless adware samples; ProcessorProgressionSystemWalkLoginCheck, and ProfessionalHelper are just some examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did ZipSome install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using various deceptive techniques. "Bundling" - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is commonly used in distribution. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are also used in this proliferation. Advertising-supported software is spread through intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

Adware may have "official" download pages, and it is also promoted through scam websites. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Installation processes must also be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate and innocuous, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If you experience adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ZipSome, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once ZipSome installation is complete

ZipSome adware's installation folder:

ZipSome 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 ZipSome adware using Combo Cleaner:

ZipSome adware removal:

Remove ZipSome-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 endanger device and user safety. It decreases browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers mainly generate revenue through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ZipSome adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind in the system. What is more, these components might continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is crucial to remove 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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