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How to eliminate ViewpointTools adware from the operating system

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

What is ViewpointTools?

ViewpointTools is a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Our analysis of this app revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, ViewpointTools is part of the AdLoad malware family.

ViewpointTools adware

ViewpointTools adware overview

Adware enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The ads primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the intrusive adverts are capable of performing downloads/installations without user permission.

It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ViewpointTools displays adverts – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.

AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking qualities, and while ViewpointTools might possess these traits – we did not observe them during testing.

Furthermore, this rogue application has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ViewpointTools
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

StyleHillLoyalShroudSearchProvidedEssentialLoop, and AdvancedParameter are merely some examples of adware we have analyzed.

This software typically appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ViewpointTools install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional webpages. Additionally, it is often pushed through scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Furthermore, installation must be approached with caution. Hence, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once ViewpointTools installation is complete

ViewpointTools adware's installation folder:

ViewpointTools adware install folder

ViewpointTools adware installed onto a Safari browser:

ViewpointTools 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 ViewpointTools adware using Combo Cleaner:

ViewpointTools adware removal:

Remove ViewpointTools-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays ads that promote dangerous content capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open webpages and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ViewpointTools adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware 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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