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How to remove the CosmoLoop adware from your operating system

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

What kind of application is CosmoLoop?

CosmoLoop is a rogue application that our research team discovered while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This app operates as advertising-supported software (adware). It is pertinent to mention that CosmoLoop belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

CosmoLoop adware

CosmoLoop adware overview

Adware is designed to enable the placement of advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited webpages and/or different interfaces.

These ads predominantly promote scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Note that any genuine products/services encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might need certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether CosmoLoop displays ads – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

This rogue application might also have browser hijacker traits since they are common to AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any such qualities during testing.

Furthermore, CosmoLoop collects sensitive information. Targeted data includes: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like CosmoLoop on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by CosmoLoop
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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 examined thousands of adware-type apps; DoubleCacheSearchEmpire, and EliteMaximus are merely a few examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and harmless. It entices users with a wide variety of handy functionalities. However, these features seldom operate as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did CosmoLoop install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software prior to download or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look ordinary – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once CosmoLoop installation is complete

CosmoLoop adware's installation folder:

CosmoLoop adware install folder

CosmoLoop adware installed onto a Safari browser:

CosmoLoop adware installed onto 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 CosmoLoop adware using Combo Cleaner:

CosmoLoop adware removal:

Remove CosmoLoop-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of generating redirects and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove CosmoLoop adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause problems. 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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