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Removal instructions for AdvancedParameter adware and the ads it displays

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

What is AdvancedParameter?

Our research team discovered the AdvancedParameter app during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this application, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.

AdvancedParameter adware

AdvancedParameter adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services can be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, it is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if AdvancedParameter does not display advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker abilities, although we did not observe any while testing this rogue application.

AdvancedParameter likely collects private information. Adware typically targets the following data: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like AdvancedParameter on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AdvancedParameter
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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), 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 investigated thousands of adware-type apps; MajorLookupSkilledNetwork, and SystemConfig are merely a couple of our latest finds.

Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate and offer useful features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Note that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of its legitimacy or safety.

How did AdvancedParameter install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is commonly pushed by scam sites. Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once AdvancedParameter installation is complete

AdvancedParameter adware's installation folder:

AdvancedParameter 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 AdvancedParameter adware using Combo Cleaner:

AdvancedParameter adware removal:

Remove AdvancedParameter-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware displays advertisements that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functionalities include displaying ads on various interfaces, causing redirects, and/or collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove AdvancedParameter adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.

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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.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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