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Removal instructions for the TypicalSource adware-type application

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

What kind of application is TypicalSource?

During a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers found the TypicalSource app. After examining it, we determined that TypicalSource is adware from the AdLoad malware family.

Software within this classification is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements.

TypicalSource adware

TypicalSource adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It primarily operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

It is noteworthy that certain conditions may be necessary for adware to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Yet even if TypicalSource does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adverts delivered by adware typically endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Keep in mind that any legitimate products/services encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted 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 to obtain illegitimate commissions.

While AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing TypicalSource.

It is likely that this app has data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Target data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like TypicalSource on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by TypicalSource
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), 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.
▼ 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

SystemDesignMarketExtendedOperationBounceTopics, and AdjustableIndexer are just some examples of adware we have investigated recently.

Software within this category usually looks legitimate and harmless. It can also offer a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that operational functions/features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did TypicalSource install on my computer?

"Bundling" – the marketing tactic that involves packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to proliferate adware.

Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. The majority of visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).

Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are used to spread advertising-supported software as well.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary applications, extensions, features, tools, etc.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – however, they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TypicalSource, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once TypicalSource installation is complete

TypicalSource adware's installation folder:

TypicalSource 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 TypicalSource adware using Combo Cleaner:

TypicalSource adware removal:

Remove TypicalSource-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 advertisements that primarily endorse harmful content, which may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive user data.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. The primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove TypicalSource adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file remnants stay hidden within the system following the software's manual removal. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. 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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