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Removal instructions for EssentialLoop adware and the ads it delivers

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

What is EssentialLoop?

EssentialLoop is an adware-type application that we discovered while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. EssentialLoop operates by running intrusive ad campaigns and collecting private data.

EssentialLoop adware

EssentialLoop adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, adware displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

These advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if the EssentialLoop application does not display advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

It is pertinent to mention that many AdLoad adware-type apps have browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe any during our analysis.

Furthermore, EssentialLoop has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like EssentialLoop on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by EssentialLoop
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchp), 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

AdvancedParameterMajorLookupSkilledNetwork, and SearchProvided are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and useful. However, it seldom operates as promised, and in most cases – it is utterly nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did EssentialLoop install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites as well. Most users enter such pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep experiencing such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialLoop, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once EssentialLoop installation is complete

EssentialLoop adware's installation folder:

EssentialLoop adware install folder

EssentialLoop adware installed onto a Safari browser:

EssentialLoop adware installed on Safari

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 EssentialLoop adware using Combo Cleaner:

EssentialLoop adware removal:

Remove EssentialLoop-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?

The presence of adware on a device may lead to diminished browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and some types can also cause redirects and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialLoop adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. These remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software 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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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.