How to eliminate ActiveQuest adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ActiveQuest?
While reviewing new file submissions to VirusTotal, our research team found yet another adware from the AdLoad malware family called ActiveQuest. This rogue application operates by running intrusive ad campaigns, and it may have other harmful abilities as well.
ActiveQuest adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As its classification implies, adware generates revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, this software displays advertisements (e.g., banners, pop-ups, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.
The ads can promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some of the adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note 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 probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if specific conditions are unmet (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet even if ActiveQuest does not display ads – its presence on a device remains a threat.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while investigating the ActiveQuest adware.
AdLoad software, and adware in general, usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, this might apply to ActiveQuest. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, software like ActiveQuest can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ActiveQuest |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), 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. |
Adware examples
TechBrowser, MethodAnalyzer, and NanoBoost are just a few examples of adware-type apps we have examined recently. While software within this category can appear legitimate and useful – it seldom operates as advertised. The promised functionalities are usually nonoperational, as their only purpose is to trick users into downloading/installing.
It must be mentioned that even if an application or browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did ActiveQuest install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are predominantly accessed via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend studying terms and available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, and so forth.
We also advise caution when browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ActiveQuest, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ActiveQuest adware's installation is over:
ActiveQuest 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 ActiveQuest?
- STEP 1. Remove ActiveQuest related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ActiveQuest ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ActiveQuest adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ActiveQuest ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ActiveQuest adware using Combo Cleaner:
ActiveQuest adware removal:
Remove ActiveQuest-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. Significant threats are posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered ads (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered a privacy threat since it typically collects sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove ActiveQuest adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion