How to remove ExecutiveMethod adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ExecutiveMethod?
After downloading and using a fake installer downloaded from a shady website, our team discovered an application called ExecutiveMethod. It is a useless application designed to bombard users with unwanted advertisements. Therefore, we classified ExecutiveMethod as adware (advertising-supported application).
ExecutiveMethod adware in detail
ExecutiveMethod shows various pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc. Ads generated by this app can open untrustworthy pages and cause unexpected downloads/installations. Those ads can open phishing pages, websites that promote/distribute potentially malicious apps, and other shady web pages. Thus, ads displayed ExecutiveMethod cannot be trusted.
One more reason not to have ExecutiveMethod installed on the operating system is that it is virtually identical to many other apps that can read sensitive information. We discovered many similar apps that can access credit card details, passwords, and other personal data that can be misused for malicious purposes.
| Name | Ads by ExecutiveMethod |
| 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 in general
The purpose of advertising-supported applications is to display various ads. It is uncommon for them to have any useful features. Typically, users download and install adware unintentionally (without knowing that this software shows ads). More adware examples are LinearRadial, EntrySample, and WirelessZipServer.
How did ExecutiveMethod install on my computer?
ExecutiveMethod and similar apps usually get installed after using fake installers for the Adobe Flash Player. Websites used to distribute those installers claim that Flash Player or other software is out of date and needs to be updated. In other cases, adware gets installed via dubious ads and software bundles.
When software bundles contain adware, installers have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings or checkboxes that can be used to deselect optional installations. Users agree to install adware after finishing installation processes without changing those settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications and files from legitimate sources such as official pages and stores. It is recommended not to use P2P networks, third-party downloaders, shady pages, and similar sources. It is also advisable not to trust advertisements that shady pages (e.g., torrent sites, adult dating pages) have on them or allow such pages to show notifications.
Check downloaders and installers for unwanted optional downloads and installations and deselect them before downloading and installing software. If your computer is already infected with ExecutiveMethod, 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 ExecutiveMethod adware:
ExecutiveMethod'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 ExecutiveMethod?
- STEP 1. Remove ExecutiveMethod related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExecutiveMethod ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExecutiveMethod adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExecutiveMethod ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExecutiveMethod adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExecutiveMethod adware removal:
Remove ExecutiveMethod-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?
Typically, users who have adware installed on their computers encounter problems such as diminished web browsing experience, slower computer performance, manipulated settings of a web browser, or even invaded privacy.
What does adware do?
It generates annoying/intrusive advertisements. Sometimes, software of this type can also change the settings of a web browser and collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of them use adware to promote various products, services, web pages, etc. They participate in affiliate programs or use other ways to monetize adware.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExecutiveMethod adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will check the operating system for adware and other unwanted software and remove it. We recommend using Combo Cleaner for adware removal since manual removal does not always work - files and other components belonging to the removed adware remain in the system even after the removal.
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