How to eliminate ClutchTrend adware and the ads it delivers

What is ClutchTrend?

While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers found the ClutchTrend application. Our analysis revealed that this app operates as advertising-supported software (adware). Furthermore, it is pertinent to mention that ClutchTrend is part of the AdLoad malware family.

ClutchTrend adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can perform stealthy downloads/installations when clicked.

Note that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers. Instead, this deceptive promotion is undertaken by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the products' affiliate programs.

Adware may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, such as compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc. However, even if ClutchTrend does not display advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

Furthermore, this rogue application might have browser hijacker functions since they are typical for AdLoad advertising-supported software, although it did not exhibit any during testing.

What is more, ClutchTrend likely collects private data. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ClutchTrend on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ClutchTrend
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27184), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpr), 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 apps; ExplorerIndex, NativeLightning, and AbsoluteValue are merely a couple of examples. This software typically looks harmless and promises "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did ClutchTrend install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary software/media. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation - increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system.

Adware is pushed through intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.

Advertising-supported software is also promoted on dubious download pages and scam websites. Users typically enter these sites via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, 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. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise being careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look ordinary and innocuous, but they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

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

ClutchTrend 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 ClutchTrend?
• STEP 1. Remove ClutchTrend related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ClutchTrend ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ClutchTrend adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ClutchTrend ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ClutchTrend adware using Combo Cleaner:

ClutchTrend adware removal:

Remove ClutchTrend-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 delivers ads promoting deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues like system infections, financial losses, etc. Additionally, this software usually has data tracking functionalities - therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some adware-types can also cause redirects and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ClutchTrend adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the leftover content might continue to run and cause severe issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.

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