How to remove the ApplicationLaser adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ApplicationLaser?
ApplicationLaser is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ApplicationLaser adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
This third-party graphical content predominantly promotes online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products or services encountered through these ads are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system, specific sites not visited, etc. Regardless of whether the ApplicationLaser app displays advertisements – its presence remains a threat.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker traits. However, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing ApplicationLaser.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ApplicationLaser. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like ApplicationLaser on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ApplicationLaser |
| 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
StandartInitiator, MotionOptimizer, VantageGains, and ZestyPeak are merely some examples of adware we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It entices users into download/installation by promising a broad range of handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did ApplicationLaser install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to proliferate adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors to such webpages access them via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be 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 unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ApplicationLaser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ApplicationLaser adware's installation is over:
ApplicationLaser 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 ApplicationLaser?
- STEP 1. Remove ApplicationLaser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ApplicationLaser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ApplicationLaser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ApplicationLaser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ApplicationLaser adware using Combo Cleaner:
ApplicationLaser adware removal:
Remove ApplicationLaser-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?
Advertising-supported software delivers ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since it typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned for the promotion of websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ApplicationLaser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. Additionally, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported must be removed thoroughly.
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