How to remove the MegaUpgrade adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is MegaUpgrade?
Our researchers discovered the MegaUpgrade application while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). MegaUpgrade is part of the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns.
MegaUpgrade adware overview
Adware feeds users with undesirable and deceptive ads. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, banners, etc.) may be displayed on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.
The advertisements primarily endorsed online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if MegaUpgrade does not display advertisements – the app's presence on a system remains a threat.
While AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking qualities, MegaUpgrade did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, MegaUpgrade likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like MegaUpgrade on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MegaUpgrade |
| 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
We have investigated numerous adware samples; OptimizationList, MapperWaveTerms, and OpenManager are but a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate/innocuous and offer a wide variety of functionalities. However, these features are usually fake and nonoperational. Keep in mind 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 MegaUpgrade install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. When 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 sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MegaUpgrade, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MegaUpgrade adware's installation is over:
MegaUpgrade 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 MegaUpgrade?
- STEP 1. Remove MegaUpgrade related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MegaUpgrade ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MegaUpgrade adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MegaUpgrade ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MegaUpgrade adware using Combo Cleaner:
MegaUpgrade adware removal:
Remove MegaUpgrade-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 endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting content. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MegaUpgrade adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion