How to eliminate GlossGlamor adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is GlossGlamor?
Our research team found the GlossGlamor app during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this piece of software revealed that GlossGlamor is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. It operates by running intrusive ad campaigns (displaying adverts) and may have other harmful abilities.
GlossGlamor adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. The advertisements endorse scams, dubious/hazardous software, and even malware. Furthermore, when clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products or services encountered through these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers/creators. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that adware might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if GlossGlamor does not display adverts – its presence endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Additionally, AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker functionalities, and this might apply to GlossGlamor, although we did not observe any such traits during testing.
What is more, this rogue app may have data-tracking abilities. Targeted information typically includes: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GlossGlamor |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27535), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchprox), 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
LifeProxy, WebAge, StyleLab, and InstantFresh are merely some examples of adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently.
This software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
How did GlossGlamor install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution. Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread adware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users typically enter such pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. It is important to approach installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being cautious when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GlossGlamor, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once GlossGlamor adware's installation is over:
GlossGlamor 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 GlossGlamor?
- STEP 1. Remove GlossGlamor related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GlossGlamor ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GlossGlamor adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GlossGlamor ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GlossGlamor adware using Combo Cleaner:
GlossGlamor adware removal:
Remove GlossGlamor-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 usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat. This software displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open webpages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers can earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GlossGlamor adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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