How to eliminate the ActiveLink adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ActiveLink?
ActiveLink is a rogue application that our research team found while checking out new submissions to VirusTotal. Our inspection of this app revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, it is noteworthy that ActiveLink is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ActiveLink adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces.
These advertisements push online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that legitimate products/services can be encountered through these ads, but they are unlikely to be promoted by official entities. This promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not deliver advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites are not made, etc. However, even if ActiveLink does not display adverts - its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.
Furthermore, ActiveLink may have browser-hijacking qualities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although this application did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, ActiveLink likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like ActiveLink on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ActiveLink |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; PowerAnalytics, OperativeService, and FractionElement are merely a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did ActiveLink install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, intrusive adverts proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam sites. These webpages are most commonly entered via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites 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 strongly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified channels. It is just as important to be careful when installing, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We advise being cautious when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears ordinary and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this type, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ActiveLink, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ActiveLink adware's installation is over:
ActiveLink 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 ActiveLink?
- STEP 1. Remove ActiveLink related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ActiveLink ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ActiveLink adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ActiveLink ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ActiveLink adware using Combo Cleaner:
ActiveLink adware removal:
Remove ActiveLink-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. It usually has data-tracking functionalities; therefore, this software is considered to be a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., it displays advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. What is more, some types can force-open sites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ActiveLink adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
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