How to eliminate PlotPages adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PlotPages?
PlotPages is an adware-type app that we discovered while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This advertising-supported software is part of the AdLoad malware family. PlotPages is designed to feed users with unwanted and deceptive adverts.
PlotPages adware overview
Adware can enable the placement of ads on various interfaces. The advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate content can be encountered through these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether PlotPages displays adverts – the application's presence on a system remains a threat.
While AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking qualities, we did not observe these traits while investigating this rogue app.
Furthermore, PlotPages likely has data-tracking abilities. Adware usually collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like PlotPages on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PlotPages |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpr), 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 samples; StandartPortal, ServiceCommand, ElectronicInformative, and ProgressFunction are merely a few examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It also offers a broad range of "useful" functionalities, which are rarely operational. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did PlotPages install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software can have "official" download pages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam websites. The majority of visitors to these webpages access them via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PlotPages, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PlotPages adware's installation is over:
PlotPages 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 PlotPages?
- STEP 1. Remove PlotPages related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PlotPages ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PlotPages adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PlotPages ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PlotPages adware using Combo Cleaner:
PlotPages adware removal:
Remove PlotPages-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 content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types are capable of force-opening webpages and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PlotPages adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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