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How to remove the VantageAdvisor adware from your operating system

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

What is VantageAdvisor?

VantageAdvisor is a piece of rogue software that our research team discovered while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. It is yet another adware-type app belonging to the AdLoad malware family.

VantageAdvisor adware

VantageAdvisor adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on various interfaces. These advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and apps, and even malware. Some of these adverts can perform downloads/installations without user permission - upon being clicked.

Note that any genuine products encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

However, advertising-supported software may not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific sites are not visited, etc.). Regardless of whether VantageAdvisor displays advertisements - its presence endangers device and user safety.

Furthermore, AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker qualities, and this might apply to VantageAdvisor. However, we did not observe any during testing.

VantageAdvisor does have data tracking functionalities. This application can collect browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

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

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by VantageAdvisor
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1036), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.gen), 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 adware-type applications; TelevisionReproduceEllipseChoiceSurplusStatus, and OutlookWade are merely some examples. This software tends to look ordinary and harmless, and it promises "handy" features. However, these functionalities rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did VantageAdvisor install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the "bundling" marketing method - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements. 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.

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

Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution. Hence, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additional apps, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary and harmless - however, they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once VantageAdvisor installation is complete

VantageAdvisor adware's installation folder:

VantageAdvisor adware install folder

VantageAdvisor adware installed onto a Safari browser:

VantageAdvisor adware installed onto Safari

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 VantageAdvisor adware using Combo Cleaner:

VantageAdvisor adware removal:

Remove VantageAdvisor-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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 delivers ads that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues, e.g., privacy concerns, system infections, financial losses, etc. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to feed users with ads by displaying them on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, and other content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove VantageAdvisor adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since despite the adware being (manually) removed - various leftover files can stay within the system. Furthermore, the remaining content may continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate 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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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.