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Removing the AccessibleInput adware and the advertisements it delivers

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

What is AccessibleInput?

Our research team discovered the AccessibleInput application while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.

AccessibleInput adware

AccessibleInput adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

The adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Note that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain commissions fraudulently.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver adverts if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system, specific websites not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether AccessibleInput displays advertisements - its presence threatens device and user safety.

Furthermore, AdLoad adware usually has browser hijacker abilities, and this may apply to AccessibleInput. However, we did not observe any during testing.

What is more, this application likely gathers sensitive data. Targeted information can include visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like AccessibleInput on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AccessibleInput
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.
▼ 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 countless adware-type apps; BluelightFurryQueueBufferProgressBoost, and ProgramOpen are just some of our newest finds. This software tends to look harmless and offers "useful" functionalities. However, the functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did AccessibleInput install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.

Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users typically enter these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once AccessibleInput installation is complete

AccessibleInput adware's installation folder:

AccessibleInput adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove AccessibleInput adware using Combo Cleaner:

AccessibleInput adware removal:

Remove AccessibleInput-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 displays advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software displays advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open webpages and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates most of the profit via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AccessibleInput adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain within the system. What is more, these remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, 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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