Removing OrionRound adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is OrionRound?
OrionRound is a piece of rogue software that our research team found during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this application revealed that OrionRound is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
OrionRound adware overview
Adware enables the placements of intrusive ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unmet (e.g., browser/system is incompatible, visits to specific sites are not made, etc.). However, regardless of whether OrionRound displays adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse untrustworthy/harmful webpages and apps, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, when clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
It is worth mentioning that any genuine products encountered via these adverts are most likely promoted in this manner by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software belonging to the AdLoad family often has browser hijacker functionalities, although we did not observe OrionRound exhibiting any during testing.
What is more, OrionRound likely collects sensitive information. Adware typically targets browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like OrionRound on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OrionRound |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27126), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), McAfee (RDN/Generic.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
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; SampleFormat, StepWarrior, and IndexerClient are merely a few examples. This software usually appears ordinary/innocuous and offers various "advantageous" features. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did OrionRound install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. 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.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most users access pages of this kind via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OrionRound, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OrionRound adware's installation is over:
OrionRound 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 OrionRound?
- STEP 1. Remove OrionRound related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OrionRound ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OrionRound adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OrionRound ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OrionRound adware using Combo Cleaner:
OrionRound adware removal:
Remove OrionRound-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?
The presence of adware on a device can result in diminished browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software typically has data tracking abilities, which makes it a threat to user privacy. Various problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.) can be caused by the content promoted through adware-delivered advertisements.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit through affiliate programs by promoting websites, apps, tools, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OrionRound adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal - since various file remnants may stay within the system. Hence, even if the adware itself has been eliminated, some of its components might be left behind and continue running. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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