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How to remove the ExplorationSprint adware-type application from your Mac

Also Known As: Ads by ExplorationSprint
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is ExplorationSprint?

ExplorationSprint is an adware-type application that our research team discovered while inspecting new file submissions to VirusTotal. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. ExplorationSprint operates by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.

ExplorationSprint adware

ExplorationSprint adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Adware displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

The ads primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is noteworthy that while genuine content can be encountered via these adverts – it is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns due to incompatible browser/system specs, particular sites not being visited, or other unsuitable conditions. However, regardless of whether ExplorationSprint displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Furthermore, while AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – we did not observe these abilities while testing ExplorationSprint.

What is more, this adware-type application likely collects private information. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, advertising-supported software like ExplorationSprint may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ExplorationSprint
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27744), 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Adware examples

We have investigated thousands of adware samples; ManagerUnitAssuranceForcastForwardLean, EnhancementLaptop, and FiberOpticJoin are merely some of our latest finds.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate/innocuous and offers useful features. However, the functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ExplorationSprint install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with ordinary software. The risk of allowing this content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.).

Unwanted/malicious additions are often hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings; hence, rushing through installation processes like using "Easy/Quick" options, ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, and similar – likewise worsens the risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into devices.

Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Furthermore, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExplorationSprint, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ExplorationSprint adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once ExplorationSprint installation is complete

ExplorationSprint adware's installation folder:

ExplorationSprint adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove ExplorationSprint adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExplorationSprint adware removal:

Remove ExplorationSprint-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 ads that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software is deemed to be a privacy threat – since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns. This software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExplorationSprint adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system – even after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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