How to remove ElementaryDivision adware and the adverts it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ElementaryDivision?
Our research team found the ElementaryDivision adware while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. When we examined this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. ElementaryDivision is part of the AdLoad malware family. This application is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns.
ElementaryDivision adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Note that certain conditions may be necessary for adware to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether ElementaryDivision displays ads – its presence endangers device/user safety.
These adverts primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Some intrusive advertisements can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their developers or other 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.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking qualities – however, ElementaryDivision did not exhibit these traits during testing.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ElementaryDivision. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like ElementaryDivision on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ElementaryDivision |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; EdgeCommand, ElasticPortable, and DriveDataCache are but a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious. It tends to look legitimate and promise various functionalities, which are usually nonoperational. 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 ElementaryDivision install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources. Rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) likewise exacerbates the threat.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate the software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look ordinary/harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications on browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ElementaryDivision, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ElementaryDivision adware's installation is over:
ElementaryDivision 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 ElementaryDivision?
- STEP 1. Remove ElementaryDivision related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ElementaryDivision ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ElementaryDivision adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ElementaryDivision ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ElementaryDivision adware using Combo Cleaner:
ElementaryDivision adware removal:
Remove ElementaryDivision-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 serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of advertising-supported software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, this software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to feed users with unwanted/deceptive advertisements, and it does so by displaying this third-party graphical content on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ElementaryDivision adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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