Removal instructions for MountainVibe adware and the adverts it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is MountainVibe?
MountainVibe is a rogue application that we discovered during a routine inspection while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis revealed that MountainVibe is advertising-supported software (adware) and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
MountainVibe adware overview
Adware operates by running intrusive ad campaigns. This software displays advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. These adverts mainly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. 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 may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, such as compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, or similar. Regardless of whether MountainVibe displays ads – its presence endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking abilities – however, MountainVibe did not exhibit any of these functionalities during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue app likely gathers private information. Advertising-supported software typically targets: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like MountainVibe may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MountainVibe |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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
We have investigated thousands of adware-type applications; MachineChance, HubProject, and ElectroLink are merely a few examples. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of handy functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did MountainVibe install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive adverts spread this software as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to questionable and unreliable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MountainVibe, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MountainVibe adware's installation is over:
MountainVibe 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
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:
- What is MountainVibe?
- STEP 1. Remove MountainVibe related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MountainVibe ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MountainVibe adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MountainVibe ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MountainVibe adware using Combo Cleaner:
MountainVibe adware removal:
Remove MountainVibe-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 delivers advertisements that promote deceptive/dangerous content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software is considered to be a privacy threat – since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MountainVibe adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden in the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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