Removal instructions for BytesShow adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is BytesShow?
BytesShow is a piece of rogue software that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After running this app on our test system, we learned that BytesShow operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
BytesShow adware overview
Adware displays adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These advertisements endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may not deliver advertisements if certain conditions are unmet (e.g., browser/system is incompatible, visits to particular sites are not made, etc.). However, whether BytesShow displays this third-party graphical content is irrelevant - as its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.
BytesShow may also have browser hijacker and data tracking functionalities, as they are common for AdLoad adware. However, this app did not exhibit any browser-hijacking qualities during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing-related data, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking information, and so on. The gathered data can be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like BytesShow on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BytesShow |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27000), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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
HorizonCentric, DynamicSync, ObsessionScript, and RoundEmporium are just some examples of the adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software typically looks legitimate and useful. It entices users into download/installation with promises of various features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did BytesShow install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique - packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware distribution as well. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Advertising-supported software is also promoted on dubious download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by pages using 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 recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution. Hence, it is important to read terms, inspect possible options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all supplements.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BytesShow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BytesShow adware's installation is over:
BytesShow 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:
▼ 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 BytesShow?
- STEP 1. Remove BytesShow related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BytesShow ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BytesShow adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BytesShow ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BytesShow adware using Combo Cleaner:
BytesShow adware removal:
Remove BytesShow-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-delivered advertisements can be dangerous and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to feed users with various advertisements. The ads can be displayed on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types can force-open sites and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, page visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BytesShow adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, thoroughness is crucial to adware removal.
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