How to eliminate the PhaseAware adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is PhaseAware?
Our researchers found the PhaseAware app while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. When we examined this application, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. PhaseAware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted/deceptive advertisements.
PhaseAware adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of various ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These adverts primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can even perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It must be mentioned that while genuine products and services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether PhaseAware displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser hijacker abilities; however, PhaseAware did not exhibit any such functionalities during testing.
This rogue application collects sensitive information, e.g., browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like PhaseAware can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PhaseAware |
| 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.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Search), 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. |
Adware examples
EnumeratorMachine, OpticalFraction, and FormatClick are just a couple examples of adware-type apps we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary and harmless. It entices users into downloading/installing it by promising a wide variety of useful and advantageous features. However, the functionalities seldom operate as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind 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 PhaseAware install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages access them via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PhaseAware, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PhaseAware adware's installation is over:
PhaseAware adware's installation folder:
PhaseAware adware installed onto a Safari browser:
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
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Quick menu:
- What is PhaseAware?
- STEP 1. Remove PhaseAware related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PhaseAware ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PhaseAware adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PhaseAware ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PhaseAware adware using Combo Cleaner:
PhaseAware adware removal:
Remove PhaseAware-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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy – since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functionalities can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PhaseAware adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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