FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Removing the LegendDeploy adware from your operating system

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

What is LegendDeploy?

Our researchers discovered the LegendDeploy rogue application while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Following installation on our test machine, this app operated as adware. It is noteworthy that LegendDeploy is part of the AdLoad malware family.

LegendDeploy adware

LegendDeploy adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. The advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful applications, and malware. Intrusive ads can perform downloads/installations without user permission - upon being clicked.

It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products/services encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, scammers abuse affiliate programs of such content in order to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.

It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular websites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether LegendDeploy displays advertisements - its presence endangers device and user safety.

Furthermore, this app may have browser hijacker traits since they are typical for AdLoad adware. However, LegendDeploy did not exhibit any during our analysis.

What is more, this application likely collects private information. Advertising-supported software typically gathers browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

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

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by LegendDeploy
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.31925078), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.f), 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 inspected countless adware-type apps; ActiveLinkPowerAnalytics, and OperativeService are just a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It lures users into download/installation with promises of various functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational.

How did LegendDeploy install on my computer?

Advertising-supported software is promoted on its "official" webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages through redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

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

"Bundling" - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

We advise being careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look harmless - however, they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once LegendDeploy installation is complete

LegendDeploy adware's installation folder:

LegendDeploy 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 LegendDeploy adware using Combo Cleaner:

LegendDeploy adware removal:

Remove LegendDeploy-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 ads that endorse deceptive/dangerous content that can cause severe issues such as system infections, financial losses, etc. This software typically has data-tracking abilities - hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., this software displays adverts on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can cause redirects and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by prompting various sites, applications, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove LegendDeploy adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware is manually removed - various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by LegendDeploy QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by LegendDeploy on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.