How to eliminate ComputingInvolve adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ComputingInvolve?
While looking through new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered the ComputingInvolve application. Our analysis of this piece of rogue software revealed that it operates as adware. Additionally, we learned that this app is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ComputingInvolve adware overview
Adware displays advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. The ads promote untrustworthy, deceptive, and malicious websites and software. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are most likely endorsed by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
However, even if advertising-supported software does not deliver advertisements - it still endangers device and user safety. Adware might not operate as intended if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, particular websites are not visited, etc.
ComputingInvolve may have browser hijacker abilities as they are common for AdLoad software, although this app did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, this rogue application likely collects private information. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ComputingInvolve on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ComputingInvolve |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27154), 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
BridgePro, DockMode, and EditWave are merely a couple examples of the adware that we have analyzed recently. This software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did ComputingInvolve install on my computer?
"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player installers are also used in adware distribution. Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software is also pushed through dubious download webpages and scam sites. Most users access these websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open browsers).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official and verified channels. It is just as important to approach installation processes with care. Hence, always read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
We advise exercising caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ComputingInvolve, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ComputingInvolve adware's installation is over:
ComputingInvolve 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 ComputingInvolve?
- STEP 1. Remove ComputingInvolve related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ComputingInvolve ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ComputingInvolve adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ComputingInvolve ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ComputingInvolve adware using Combo Cleaner:
ComputingInvolve adware removal:
Remove ComputingInvolve-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. Its advertisements promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious problems like system infections, financial losses, etc. Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware enables the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types are capable of causing redirects and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ComputingInvolve adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain within the system. The remnants might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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