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How to uninstall ExpandedSample from computers

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

What kind of application is ExpandedSample?

Upon scrutinizing the ExpandedSample application, we have concluded that its core purpose revolves around delivering various advertisements to users, classifying it as adware. Such applications are infamous for showcasing misleading ads and potentially collecting a range of user data. Thus, it is recommended to avoid installing apps of this nature.

ExpandedSample adware

ExpandedSample adware in detail

Users should approach ads from ExpandedSample and with skepticism, as clicking them can lead users to potentially harmful websites or prompt them to download suspicious content. These ads may disguise themselves as legitimate offers or promotions, but they could actually redirect users to phishing sites, malware-infected pages, or other fraudulent pages.

Users may land on deceptive websites mimicking legitimate platforms, such as banking or social media sites, with the intention of tricking users into disclosing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal details.

Also, by clicking on an ad that redirects to a malware-infected website, users could expose their devices to the risk of being infected with viruses, ransomware, spyware, or other forms of malware. Additionally, interacting with ads from ExpandedSample may lead to deceptive forms, fake surveys, or misleading pop-ups created to extract sensitive data from unsuspecting users.

Furthermore, ExpandedSample may collect a range of data, including browsing history, device information such as model and location, and even personal information (e.g., names, surnames, credit card details, etc.). The collection of personal or sensitive information raises privacy concerns.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ExpandedSample
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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ExpandedSample app poses risks to user privacy and security due to its adware nature and potential data collection practices. Users should exercise caution and carefully consider the implications before installing or interacting with this application. More examples of apps that should be avoided are TechLookupTool, AssistiveTool, and SkilledAccess.

How did ExpandedSample install on my computer?

Adware is often packaged alongside other software and presented as an optional offer during the installation process. Users might overlook or hastily accept these additional offers, unknowingly installing the included adware and the intended software.

Moreover, advertisements utilizing deceptive tactics, such as counterfeit system alerts or misleading download buttons, can be crafted to deceive users into inadvertently installing adware. Furthermore, users might encounter adware-type applications when downloading files or programs from unofficial app stores, third-party downloaders, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and similar sources.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

When downloading software, it is advisable to rely on trustworthy sources like official app stores or the developer's website. Steer clear of downloading from third-party app stores or sources with questionable reputations. During the installation process, be vigilant. Review installers for additional offers, which you may find in settings like "Advanced" or "Custom", or alongside ticked checkboxes, and deselect them.

Do not trust pop-ups and ads, particularly those alleging malware infections or promoting free software downloads. Regularly inspect the list of installed applications and remove any unwanted or suspicious programs. Utilize reliable security software and ensure it stays updated, along with the operating system and other installed software.

If your computer is already infected with ExpandedSample, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A message that appears after the installation of ExpandedSample:

ExpandedSample adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

ExpandedSample's installation folder:

ExpandedSample adware 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:

Video showing how to remove ExpandedSample adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExpandedSample adware removal:

Remove ExpandedSample-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 poses various challenges for users and their devices, including intrusive advertisements, redirections to dubious websites, diminished device performance, and unauthorized data collection.

What does adware do?

Adware primarily functions to display advertisements. Additionally, it may track user behaviors and act as a browser hijacker.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Pretty often, adware developers use affiliate programs to monetize their software. They earn money when someone purchases products or pays for services through their ads.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedSample adware?

Combo Cleaner conducts thorough scans of computers, efficiently removing any installed adware-type applications. Manual removal methods may be ineffective, as residual files could linger within the system. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize apps such as Combo Cleaner for adware removal.

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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.

QR Code
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Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ExpandedSample on your mobile device.
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Platform: macOS

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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.