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How to eliminate the ChipsOverallKind adware from your Mac

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

What kind of application is ChipsOverallKind?

ChipsOverallKind is a rogue application found by our research team during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform.

Upon inspection, we determined that this app is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ChipsOverallKind runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may exhibit other harmful capabilities.

ChipsOverallKind adware

ChipsOverallKind adware overview

Adware generates revenue through advertising. It typically does so by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. This entails displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be necessary for this software to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ChipsOverallKind delivers advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-displayed ads primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probably done by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.

It is worth mentioning that AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing ChipsOverallKind.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of the ChipsOverallKind app. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like ChipsOverallKind on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ChipsOverallKind
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Agent-AHU [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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

We have examined numerous adware samples; StandartPartitionDominantGeneration, and ExtendedCommand are merely a couple of our newest finds.

Software within this classification tends to look ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a broad range of functionalities that rarely work as promised, if at all. Note that operational features do not guarantee that a piece of software is legitimate or safe.

How did ChipsOverallKind install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is often used to proliferate adware.

The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other untrustworthy sources. This risk is compounded by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, and so on.

Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users mainly access these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, reviewing available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ChipsOverallKind, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once ChipsOverallKind installation is complete

ChipsOverallKind adware's installation folder:

ChipsOverallKind 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 ChipsOverallKind adware using Combo Cleaner:

ChipsOverallKind adware removal:

Remove ChipsOverallKind-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 may lead users to experience system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems – through the content promoted by ads that this software displays. The presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. The software itself is considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ChipsOverallKind adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants remain hidden within the system, and they may 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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