How to remove the VirtualNano adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is VirtualNano?
Our researchers discovered the VirtualNano app during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). It is pertinent to mention that VirtualNano is part of the AdLoad malware family.
VirtualNano adware overview
Adware is designed to enable the placement of various advertisements on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. These intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, etc.) promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of these adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner 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 not run intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if VirtualNano does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
It is noteworthy that AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities, but VirtualNano did not exhibit any during our analysis.
It is highly likely that VirtualNano gathers sensitive user information. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like VirtualNano on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VirtualNano |
| 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. |
Adware examples
Adware usually appears ordinary and innocuous. It entices users into downloading/installing it by promising a wide variety of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; EssentialPlatform, ConfigInput, DesignationDrive, DisplayFraction, and InputDivision are merely some examples of our newest finds.
How did VirtualNano install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is often pushed through scam sites. Users typically access these pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VirtualNano, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VirtualNano adware's installation is over:
VirtualNano adware's installation 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
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Quick menu:
- What is VirtualNano?
- STEP 1. Remove VirtualNano related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VirtualNano ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VirtualNano adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VirtualNano ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VirtualNano adware using Combo Cleaner:
VirtualNano adware removal:
Remove VirtualNano-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 displays advertisements that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software may also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, it 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 functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs. The developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VirtualNano adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, thorough removal is essential.
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