Removal instructions for the GlobalQueue adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is GlobalQueue?
During a routine inspection of new VirusTotal submissions, we discovered the GlobalQueue application. After analyzing this rogue piece of software, we determined that GlobalQueue operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
GlobalQueue adware overview
Adware is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The displayed advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can make stealthy downloads/installations when clicked on.
However, while reputable developers do not use adware to advertise their products - they can still be encountered through it. This is because the promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. For example, it might not display ads if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, users do not visit particular websites, or similar. Regardless of whether GlobalQueue (or other adware) delivers advertisements or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
What is more, GlobalQueue might have browser hijacker functionalities since they are typical for AdLoad adware - however, we did not observe any during testing.
This app likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing-related data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like GlobalQueue on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GlobalQueue |
| 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.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
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; ApproachWired, DigitalFile, and OnlineClient are just a few of our latest finds. This software is usually presented as legitimate and useful. Users are enticed into download/installation with "handy" functions, which are rarely operational.
How did GlobalQueue install on my computer?
"Bundling" - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious 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 Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.
Intrusive advertisements are used to spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Additionally, adware is promoted through "official" download webpages and scam websites. Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by 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 tends to appear harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GlobalQueue, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once GlobalQueue adware's installation is over:
GlobalQueue 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is GlobalQueue?
- STEP 1. Remove GlobalQueue related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GlobalQueue ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GlobalQueue adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GlobalQueue ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GlobalQueue adware using Combo Cleaner:
GlobalQueue adware removal:
Remove GlobalQueue-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some adware-types can also force-open sites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit via affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned for the promotion of websites, applications, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GlobalQueue adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even though the adware itself had been (manually) removed - various file leftovers stayed hidden in the system. What is more, these remnants might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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