How to eliminate AdvantageMethod adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is AdvantageMethod?
AdvantageMethod is a piece of rogue software that our researchers found while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After we inspected this application, we determined that it operates as adware. It is noteworthy that AdvantageMethod is part of the AdLoad malware family.
AdvantageMethod adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on various interfaces. These adverts endorse scams, untrustworthy/harmful websites and applications, and even malware. Furthermore, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing the product's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not deliver ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, particular sites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether AdvantageMethod displays advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker traits, and this might apply to AdvantageMethod, but we did not observe any such qualities during testing.
What is more, this application likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like AdvantageMethod on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AdvantageMethod |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Application.Generic.3195185), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; ExtendedSample, MainFrameSelect, and LegendDeploy are merely a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, they seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - the functionalities are utterly nonoperational.
How did AdvantageMethod install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is distributed through fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers as well. Additionally, it is pushed via intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware is also proliferated using the bundling marketing method - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware 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 it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this type, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AdvantageMethod, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AdvantageMethod adware's installation is over:
AdvantageMethod 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 AdvantageMethod?
- STEP 1. Remove AdvantageMethod related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AdvantageMethod ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AdvantageMethod adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AdvantageMethod ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AdvantageMethod adware using Combo Cleaner:
AdvantageMethod adware removal:
Remove AdvantageMethod-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues like system infections, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, this software typically has data-tracking functionalities - hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. What is more, some adware types can cause redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AdvantageMethod adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various files remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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