Removing AllocateType adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AllocateType?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team came upon an application named AllocateType. After analyzing it, we learned that it is an adware-type app belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
AllocateType adware overview
Adware operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads diminish the browsing experience and promote untrustworthy/dangerous content. They can push various online scams (phishing, tech support, lottery, etc.), dubious/harmful software (adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, etc.), and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products/services encountered through these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if AllocateType does not display advertisements - its presence on a system threatens device and user safety regardless.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker traits; although AllocateType did not exhibit any during testing - it might on other systems.
Furthermore, this piece of rogue software likely collects private data. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account credentials (usernames/passwords), credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like AllocateType on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AllocateType |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1138), 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. |
Adware examples
We have inspected thousands of adware samples; WiredBlank, NetSearchPanel, and InformationLeader are but a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious, it tends to look ordinary and useful. It also offers a wide variety of features, which are usually nonoperational.
How did AllocateType install on my computer?
Bundling - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to spread adware. By downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) - users risk allowing bundled content into their devices.
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional sites, and it is pushed through online scams. Most users enter webpages of this kind via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AllocateType, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AllocateType adware's installation is over:
AllocateType 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 AllocateType?
- STEP 1. Remove AllocateType related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AllocateType ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AllocateType adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AllocateType ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AllocateType adware using Combo Cleaner:
AllocateType adware removal:
Remove AllocateType-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 that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs in the form of commissions for promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AllocateType adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed - various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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