How to eliminate the TradeAero adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is TradeAero?
TradeAero is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
TradeAero adware overview
Adware is designed to feed users with unwanted/deceptive advertisements. The third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) is displayed on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, and others.
Adware-delivered ads primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to display adverts (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether TradeAero runs intrusive ad campaigns, this app remains a threat.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities; however, TradeAero did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue app likely has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, advertising-supported software like TradeAero may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TradeAero |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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
TechnoJourney, FeedWild, and ValueEver are merely a few examples of adware-type applications that we have examined recently. This software usually appears harmless and offers various handy functionalities. However, it rarely operates as promised.
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 TradeAero install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is commonly used to proliferate adware.
Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is often endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors to such webpages access them via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TradeAero, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TradeAero adware's installation is over:
TradeAero 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 TradeAero?
- STEP 1. Remove TradeAero related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TradeAero ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TradeAero adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TradeAero ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TradeAero adware using Combo Cleaner:
TradeAero adware removal:
Remove TradeAero-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 promote harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it is considered to be a privacy threat since adware typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open websites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TradeAero adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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