How to remove LocalAgent adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LocalAgent?
LocalAgent is advertising-supported software (adware). Our research team discovered this application while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal website. LocalAgent belongs to the AdLoad malware family. Adware operates by running intrusive advert campaigns, and it may have other harmful abilities.
LocalAgent adware overview
Adware typically displays third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, and other ads) on visited websites or different interfaces. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance.
The advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while genuine content may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by their official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
Adware might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, particular websites not visited, etc.). Yet even if LocalAgent does not display advertisements – it threatens system safety and user privacy.
We have found many AdLoad adware-type apps with browser-hijacking capabilities – however, LocalAgent did not exhibit them during our analysis.
What is more, LocalAgent might have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so on. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like LocalAgent on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LocalAgent |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), 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. |
Adware examples
We have investigated thousands of adware samples; WirelessBrowser, TerabyteLogoff, and FractionView are just a couple of apps we have written about recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did LocalAgent install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs/media. The risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Once clicked, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
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 caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable and dubious sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LocalAgent, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LocalAgent adware's installation is over:
LocalAgent 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
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Quick menu:
- What is LocalAgent?
- STEP 1. Remove LocalAgent related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LocalAgent ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LocalAgent adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LocalAgent ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LocalAgent adware using Combo Cleaner:
LocalAgent adware removal:
Remove LocalAgent-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LocalAgent adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, file remnants stay hidden within the system – after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. The remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
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