How to remove the ExecutiveSync adware-type application

What kind of application is ExecutiveSync?

Our research team found the ExecutiveSync application while reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After inspecting this piece of software, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ExecutiveSync is designed to feed users undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements.

ExecutiveSync adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited websites or different interfaces. Note that adware might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., not deliver adverts) if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable.

However, regardless of whether ExecutiveSync displays ads – its presence on a device endangers system integrity and user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements commonly endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

We have found many instances of AdLoad adware that exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these abilities while testing the ExecutiveSync app.

Additionally, this adware-type application may collect vulnerable user information, as data tracking is standard for software within this classification. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ExecutiveSync on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ExecutiveSync
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 countless adware samples; Majorlibrary, TotalToolboxSearch, and AppInfo are just a couple of our newest finds. This software usually appears harmless and offers various functionalities. However, these functions are rarely operational – since their purpose is to trick users into downloading/installing the adware.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did ExecutiveSync install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, or other suspicious sources increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. This threat is compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Visitors to these pages access them primarily via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads 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 channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

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

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

ExecutiveSync 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 ExecutiveSync?
• STEP 1. Remove ExecutiveSync related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ExecutiveSync ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ExecutiveSync adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ExecutiveSync ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ExecutiveSync adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExecutiveSync adware removal:

Remove ExecutiveSync-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 can promote harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by delivering intrusive advert campaigns. It displays ads on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of force-opening sites and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExecutiveSync adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. After it has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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