How to remove the ElementsPerf adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ElementsPerf?
ElementsPerf is an adware-type application discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Our analysis of this piece of software revealed that it is adware. ElementsPerf is part of the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to feed users with unwanted and malicious adverts.
ElementsPerf adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, etc.) primarily promotes online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed in this manner by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware might need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if ElementsPerf does not display ads – its presence endangers device/user safety.
Additionally, ElementsPerf might have browser hijacker capabilities since they are standard for AdLoad apps, but we did not observe these traits during testing.
Furthermore, ElementsPerf likely has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like ElementsPerf on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ElementsPerf |
| 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.Searchpro), 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 examined thousands of adware samples; MultiTaskDesignation, LogOffNode, and ActivityConsole are merely a few of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ElementsPerf install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam websites. Users predominantly access such webpages via redirects generated by sites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well.
Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts also spread adware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, tools, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ElementsPerf, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ElementsPerf adware's installation is over:
ElementsPerf 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 ElementsPerf?
- STEP 1. Remove ElementsPerf related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ElementsPerf ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ElementsPerf adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ElementsPerf ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ElementsPerf adware using Combo Cleaner:
ElementsPerf adware removal:
Remove ElementsPerf-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 delivers ads promoting content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Software within this classification can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces, and some types may also generate redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ElementsPerf adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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