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How to remove BasicTransaction adware and the ads it displays

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

What is BasicTransaction?

BasicTransaction is the name of a rogue application that we found while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

BasicTransaction adware

BasicTransaction adware overview

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

The displayed adverts promote online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software upon being clicked.

Note that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It is likewise worth noting that adware may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.) to run intrusive ad campaigns. However, regardless of whether BasicTransaction displays adverts or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

What is more, BasicTransaction may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

This application likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically collects browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, and so on. The gathered information is then monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like BasicTransaction on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by BasicTransaction
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.
▼ 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 thousands of apps like BasicTransaction; EfficientRecordGenesisMassInitialSprint, and UnlimitedPixel are merely some examples.

Adware usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various "handy" features. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did BasicTransaction install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs/media. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well. Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

Additionally, adware is promoted through its "official" download pages and scam websites. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. Furthermore, all installations must be approached with caution. Therefore, it is crucial to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BasicTransaction, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once BasicTransaction installation is complete

BasicTransaction adware's installation folder:

BasicTransaction 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 BasicTransaction adware using Combo Cleaner:

BasicTransaction adware removal:

Remove BasicTransaction-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It typically has data tracking abilities, which make this software a threat to user privacy. Adware-delivered advertisements promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware enables the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software might also be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove BasicTransaction adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since in some cases, despite the adware itself having been (manually) removed - various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, 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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